Alert! Sick people are reported in Pennsylvania due to salmonella outbreak

Salmonella Outbreak Reported in Pennsylvania

Cucumbers Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination

Authorities Issue Warning

A salmonella outbreak has raised concerns in several U.S. states, particularly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

In these states, 31 people possibly linked to recalled contaminated cucumbers have been reported ill.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the outbreak, along with local partners.

The bacteria is identified as Salmonella Africana.

Salmonella Outbreak Reported in the U.S.

Salmonella Outbreak Reported in Pennsylvania -Photo: Shutterstock

This strain has caused 162 illnesses across 25 states and the District of Columbia. Among these cases, 54 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

There have been 27 reports of people sick with the salmonella strain in Pennsylvania, three in New Jersey, and one in Delaware, according to the CDC.

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Pennsylvania has reported the highest number of sick individuals of the 25 states to date.

Out of 65 people interviewed for the investigation, 47 reported eating cucumbers, said the FDA last Wednesday, May 5.

State partner testing identified salmonella in a cucumber sample. Further testing is now being conducted.

Additionally, agencies are investigating a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak to determine if it is related to the Salmonella Africana outbreak.

The Braenderup bacterial outbreak has caused about 158 illnesses in 23 U.S. states.

«The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when the illnesses occurred and the demographics of the sick individuals,» said the FDA on Wednesday.

At the end of last month, Fresh Start Produce, based in Florida, recalled fresh cucumbers distributed to distribution centers.

This included wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, and North Carolina.

As well as in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In Georgia, at least eight people also contracted the bacteria by consuming these cucumbers, ‘WSBTV’ reported.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that can start within hours or days after consuming the bacteria.

Most people will recover without treatment, but should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe symptoms.

Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

Therefore, the CDC advises that people should not eat the recalled cucumbers and should wash items and surfaces that may have come into contact with them.

Concern among the population has increased, especially in Pennsylvania, the state with the highest number of recorded cases.

According to ‘6 ABC’, the FDA and the CDC continue to work to clarify the exact source of the outbreak and contain its spread.

«It is vital that people take extra precautions and follow the health authorities’ recommendations to prevent new infections,» they insisted.

The Salmonella Africana outbreak has caused alarm, and experts are closely monitoring new cases.

Meanwhile, health authorities are working tirelessly to identify those responsible and ensure consumer safety, according to ‘WSBTV‘.

Furthermore, the impact of this outbreak could be significant if not properly controlled, and constant vigilance is essential to prevent the situation from worsening.

The recall of the cucumbers from the market is an important preventative measure, but authorities are also evaluating other possible sources of contamination.

Collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies is crucial at this time. It is recommended to dispose of cucumbers immediately, pointed out ‘6 ABC‘.

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