MN and IA Now Included in New Cucumber Salmonella Investigation

Alert to All Veggie Lovers! Do NOT Eat Cucumbers From Minnesota, Iowa, or Illinois

Just a few days ago, an alert was sent out by the FDA regarding a recall of produce that involved 14 different states, including Illinois. Yesterday, an announcement was made letting the world know that the FDA and CDC are teaming up with other agencies to investigate a bunch of illnesses (162 people in 25 states!) that might be linked to cucumbers. On the list of states where people have gotten sick are Minnesota and Iowa.

Common Link: the latest investigation has found that a lot of people who got sick said they ate cucumbers, and tests found salmonella on some samples. Doctors are trying to figure out if they are actually connected and will share more information as it is available.

fda.gov

What States Are Impacted By the Cucumber Recall and Investigation?

I'm not a huge fan of getting sick when it could be avoided, so I am just going to avoid eating cucumbers right now unless I grow the cucumber myself (which isn't going to happen) or it comes from a local farmer. You can make your own decision but below are a few facts from the latest investigation and the active recall posted by the FDA:

As of June 4th, 2024 - 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers. The FDA issued a recall that involved 14 different states. (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia)

158 illnesses in 23 different states were reported due to an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections. The FDA and CDC are investigating this outbreak as well as the one related to the recall as there are several similarities with when, where, and who has been impacted.
The map below shows where the 162 people live that have been impacted by this Salmonella outbreak.

The investigation is still ongoing to find the exact source of the problem, but for now, keep an eye out for updates from the FDA.

The Dangers and Symptoms of Salmonella

According to the FDA, salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, specifically with young children, frail or elderly people or those with weakened immune systems. This bacteria is not one of the good ones and can cause the following symptoms:

- bloody diarrhea

- diarrhea that lasts more than three days and is not improving

- fever of over 102 degrees Fahrenheit and diarrhea

- excessive vomiting

- dehydration

- stomach cramps

See more about the symptoms and treatment for salmonella disease here.

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What to do if you have a product that has been recalled

If you find these recalled items in your possession, it is advised by the FDA to not consume it and either destroy, discard, or return it to the location it was purchased at for a refund.

Find additional details and contact information for questions at the FDA website here.