Posted on September 24, 2015
Twenty-one Idaho residents with salmonellosis have been linked to the national cucumber outbreak, with public health officials concerned that people who are unaware of the outbreak could still become infected.
“We are concerned that not all Idahoans are aware of the recall and may have recently eaten or still have cucumbers involved with the outbreak in their homes,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho Public Health medical director. “If anyone has eaten cucumbers and suspects they may have Salmonella, they should seek medical attention immediately.”
Consumers who purchased cucumbers from Aug. 1st onward and are concerned the cucumbers may be contaminated should not eat them; they may contact the store or market they purchased the cucumbers at to determine if they are included in the recall.
Voluntary recalls have been issued for cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand label from Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego for the dates August 1 through September 3. The type of cucumber is often referred to as a “slicer” or “American” cucumber and is dark green. They were distributed to Idaho, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and several other states. They were produced in Baja California, Mexico.
The recall was expanded to include cucumbers sold under the “Fat Boy” label sent to Custom Produce Sales of Parlier from Andrew & Williamson. These cucumbers are typically sold in a bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping. According to Custom Produce Sales, this product may have only been distributed to California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5 to 7 days, but some cases may require hospitalization. Invasive infections (e.g., blood stream infections, meningitis) occasionally occur. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to death if not treated promptly, particularly for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
The 21 affected Idahoans range in age from 2 to 86 years and became ill between Aug. 3rd and Sept. 7. Three were hospitalized but have recovered, with no reported deaths. Since early July, the CDC has reported more than 550 people in 33 states have been linked nationwide to this outbreak, with three reported deaths. The investigation is ongoing in Idaho and nationally.