US well being officers are investigating a brand new outbreak of salmonella diseases tied to a Florida grower whose tainted cucumbers have been linked to greater than 550 diseases final yr. Cucumbers grown by Florida-based Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales have been linked to diseases in at the very least 26 folks in 15 states, the US Meals and Drug Administration reported late Monday. Not less than 9 folks have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported. The cucumbers have been bought to eating places, shops and meals service distributors between April 29 and Could 19 and should still be inside their shelf life this week. Diseases have been reported between April 2 and April 28, in response to the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. The outbreak was detected as a part of a follow-up inspection in April to a 2024 outbreak that sickened 551 folks and led to 155 hospitalizations in 34 states and Washington, D.C. In that outbreak, investigators discovered salmonella micro organism linked to lots of the diseases in untreated canal water used at farms operated by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Firm. Within the present outbreak, officers discovered salmonella micro organism from samples on the farm that matched samples from individuals who received sick. Well being officers are investigating the place the doubtless contaminated cucumbers have been distributed. A number of individuals who fell unwell ate cucumbers on cruise ships leaving ports in Florida, in response to the CDC. Natural cucumbers usually are not affected, officers mentioned. Retailers ought to notify shoppers who could have purchased the contaminated produce. If shoppers do not know the supply of cucumbers, they need to throw them away, officers mentioned. Signs of salmonella poisoning embody diarrhea, fever, extreme vomiting, dehydration and abdomen cramps. Most individuals who get sick recuperate inside per week. Infections might be extreme in younger kids, older adults and folks with weakened immune programs, who could require hospitalization.
