In their first update in a month, the CDC has announced that the amount of cases associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Poona has risen again. A total of 838 people have been sickened after eating cucumbers contaminated with Salmonella. These cases are spread out over 38 states, including Alabama with 1 case, Alaska with 17 cases, Arizona with 129 cases, Arkansas with 13 cases, California with 232 cases, Colorado with 19 cases, Connecticut with 1 case, Florida with 1 case, Hawaii with 1 case, Idaho with 24 cases, Illinois with 9 cases, Indiana with 5 cases, Iowa with 7 cases, Kansas with 2 cases, Kentucky with 1 case, Louisiana with 5 cases, Maryland with 1 case, Minnesota with 40 cases, Missouri with 14 cases, Montana with 16 cases, Nebraska with 8 cases, Nevada with 16 cases, New Hampshire with 1 case, New Mexico with 32 cases, New York with 6 cases, North Dakota with 8 cases, Ohio with 3 cases, Oklahoma with 13 cases, Oregon with 22 cases, Pennsylvania with 2 cases, South Carolina with 10 cases, South Dakota with 3 cases, Texas with 42 cases, Utah with 58 cases, Virginia with 1 case, Washington with 25 cases, Wisconsin with 43 cases, and Wyoming with 7 cases. Half of the cases are in people under the age of 18. About 27% of cases have required hospitalization. Four deaths have been reported, with one death being reported from Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and Texas. Although the amount of new cases is slowing, they are still above normal levels. The outbreak investigation is still ongoing.
Salmonella poisoning is a very common form of foodborne illness in America. It occurs when someone consumes contaminated food or water. Symptoms of the illness will appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection, and will include abdominal cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. IN many cases, someone infected with Salmonella will recover within a week and without medical attention. However, in those with certain risk factors, such as the elderly, children, and those with suppressed immune systems, the illness may linger or worsen, making medical attention necessary. If you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, contact a medical professional.
