SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – September 9, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Salmonella-tainted cucumbers, traced to a produce supplier in Mexico, have now killed two people, sickened as many as 30 people in Utah and nearly 310 others cases in 30 states across the U.S.
Federal officials announced Wednesday a second death, related to the cucumbers, has been confirmed in Texas. The first death was initially reported in California.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Salmonella outbreak was first reported in early July and has been traced to “Limited Edition” cucumbers distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce distributors.
The distributors announced a voluntary recall of the cucumbers Friday.
The CDC says there have been 285 cases of Salmonella poisoning have been reported across the country with 53 people being hospitalized. Two-thirds of those of patients say they ate cucumbers in the week prior to their illnesses.
The type of cucumber linked to the Salmonella outbreak are often referred to as “American” cucumbers or “slicers”. Their dark green in color and typically seven to ten inches long.
Salt Lake County saw the greatest number of cases with ten people falling ill. Seven more illnesses were reported in Utah County. The remainder of the cases were spread across north central Utah.
The cucumbers were distributed in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Other states could also be affected.
The onset of Salmonella poisoning is usually marked by high fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
