Friday, November 20, 2015

Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cucumbers

CDC updated the information regarding the outbreak of Salmonella related to contaminated cucumbers that began in July.    There have been 838 cases of Salmonella reported in 38 states with 165 hospitalizations and 4 deaths.
 Graph showing People infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona, by date of illness onset - as of November 18, 2015 
  
 
CDC Recall Update
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Poona Infections Linked to Imported Cucumbers 
Posted November 19, 2015 11:45 AM ET
 
 At A Glance
Deaths: 4
Hospitalizations: 165
Recall: Yes
What's New?
  • Since the last update on October 14, 2015, 71 more ill people have been reported from 23 states.
  • Connecticut and New Hampshire were added to the list of states with ill people, bringing the total number of states to 38.
  • The number of reported illnesses has declined substantially since the peak of illnesses in August and September; however, it has not returned to the number of reported illnesses that we would expect to see (about 5 every month). The investigation into the source of these illnesses is ongoing.
Highlights
CDC, multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations identified cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce as a likely source of the infections in this outbreak.
  • Two recalls(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/advice.html) of cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella were announced as a result of this investigation: Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales.
  • 838 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona have been reported from 38 states, an increase of 71 cases since the last update on October 14.
  • 165 ill people have been hospitalized, and four deaths have been reported from Arizona (1), California (1), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (1).
  • The number of reported illnesses has declined substantially since the peak of illnesses in August and September; however, it has not returned to the number of reported illnesses that we would expect to see (about 5 every month). The investigation into the source of these recent illnesses is ongoing.
  • While investigators work to learn more about the source of the recently reported illnesses, consumers, retailers, and restaurants can do the following:
  • Consumers who purchased recalled cucumbers should wash and sanitize(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/advice.html) drawers or shelves in refrigerators where cucumbers were stored.
  • Restaurants and retailers that received recalled cucumbers should wash and sanitize(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/advice.html) any crates or other containers where the cucumbers were held or sold.
  • Although it is unlikely that recalled cucumbers are still in homes or available in restaurants or grocery stores, they should not be eaten, served, or sold If you aren't sure if your cucumbers were recalled, ask the place of purchase or your supplier. When in doubt, don't eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out.
  • This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates when more information is available.

No comments:

Post a Comment