Evidence exists that salmonella contaminated cucumbers were distributed in more states than initially thought as the death toll has grown to three nationwide.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informed Tuesday that the number of cases of Salmonella Poona which is linked to "slicer" cucumbers from Andre & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego has increased by a third to 558 since last week.
About 20% of the illnesses reported have occurred in California, yet eight states have had more than 20 cases each. In fact, USA Today reported one death in each of three states: Texas, California and Arizona.
It was learned that the primary source of cucumbers shipped to Andrew & Williamson is from the firm Rancho Don Juanito de R. L. de C.V. in Baja, Mexico. CDC has already issued an import alert for the cucumbers on Sept. 14.
FDA divulged that the cucumbers grown at Rancho Don Juanito typically have a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches and length of 7 to 10 inches.
Customers were encouraged to ask their grocer if they are unsure whether their cucumbers have been recalled or not. Cucumbers at a store are usually sold in bulk display without plastic wrap or packaging. Too, food-service companies could have received the cucumbers and usually use them in deli sandwiches and salads.
"When in doubt, don't eat, sell or serve them," CDC officials said in a statement. "And throw them out."
Most people infected with salmonella bacteria usually develop fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated food. The infection typically last four to seven days and most victims recover without treatments.
However, it was emphasized that children younger than 5, adults older than 65 and other with weakened immune systems can face an infection which spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and severe diarrhea. Officials also warned they can die if the proper antibiotics are not quickly administered.
The Pima County Health Department of Arizona said Friday an elderly woman who had serious underlying health conditions was the most recent death.