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Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Cucumbers From Mexico

A salmonella outbreak has sickened 285 people in 27 U.S. states and killed a woman in San Diego, California.

The outbreak is linked to cucumbers that were grown in Mexico. Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, a San Diego company, had voluntarily recalled its "Limited Edition" garden cucumbers, CBS News reported.

Salmonella-related illnesses has been reported since July 3 and on Aug. 17, a 99-year-old woman died after being infected with Salmonella Poona, a strain of the bacteria. Half of the people who became ill are aged 18 and under.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, all cucumbers purchased under the A&W "Limited Edition" label should be thrown away. As Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County public health officer, said, "When in doubt, throw it out," especially if you have the salmonella symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. These symptoms appear between 12 to 72 hours after the tainted food was consumed. Anyone who experience these symptoms are advised to seek medical assistance.

Arizona is one of the hardest-hit areas with six counties having 66 cases already, according to CNN. Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said: "State and local health departments have been working around the clock with federal partners to rapidly identify the source of this outbreak so we can inform the public." Residents have been reassured that the local produce is not at risk.

Those who are at high health risk are children below 5 years old, adults more than 65 years old, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.

About 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths annually are caused by salmonella, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common sources of salmonella infection included poultry products and meat, but fruits and vegetables, can also transmit the bacteria.


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