As of November 18, 2015, 838 people from 38 states have reportedly been infected by Salmonella.
The Centers for Disease Control issued an update that these people have been infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona and it is exclusively linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico.
Investigations show that they have identified the cause, which were imported cucumbers from Mexico specifically distributed by Andrew and Wiliamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales as the most likely source of the outbreak.
Recalls have been issued that may contain the strain. The investigation as to the actual source of the strain is still on-going.
People and business establishments are being cautioned to wash their purchased cucumbers especially those purchased from the recalled batch. Washing and sanitizing helps minimizing infection as well as doing the same where the produce is stored (shelves, drawers, bins, refrigeration units, etc.). Restaurants that received recalled cucumbers should immediately sanitize crates, boxes and all areas where the produce was contained.
Although it is unlikely that the recalled cucumbers are still in homes or available in local food businesses, everyone is warned that they should not be eaten, sold or served. If you're unsure of the source of the cucumbers you have purchased, ask the seller or better yet dispose of the produce immediately.
The following states have been affected with corresponding number of people that were struck by the salmonella strain: Alabama (1), Alaska (17), Arizona (129), Arkansas (13), California (232), Colorado (19), Connecticut (1), Florida (1), Hawaii (1), Idaho (24), Illinois (9), Indiana (5), Iowa (7), Kansas (2), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (5), Maryland (1), Minnesota (40), Missouri (14), Montana (16), Nebraska (8), Nevada (16), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (32), New York (6), North Dakota (8), Ohio (3), Oklahoma (13), Oregon (22), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (10), South Dakota (3), Texas (42), Utah (58), Virginia (1), Washington (25), Wisconsin (43), and Wyoming (7).
This new update shows an increase of reports of 71 cases since October of this year. Those infected have been hospitalized and four deaths have been reported. One each from Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and California, as posted in the latest update from CDC.
