In a concerning development, health officials have announced that a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has now reached 25 states across the United States, in addition to the District of Columbia. According to reports, at least 162 people have fallen ill as a result of this outbreak, with 54 individuals requiring hospitalization.

Federal and state agencies are currently conducting investigations into the outbreak, as recent data suggests that the cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a public statement confirming the ongoing investigation.

The recall of the potentially contaminated cucumbers began two days ago, following the identification of salmonella in a product sample from Fresh Start Produce. The cucumbers were found to have been shipped to 14 states, but the CDC warned that there is a possibility that they may have been shipped to additional states or repackaged for sale elsewhere.

Tests are still being conducted to establish a definitive link between the cucumbers and the outbreak, according to the CDC. Salmonella is known to cause serious and occasionally fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to severe infections.

The illnesses associated with this outbreak began on March 11 and continued through mid-May, as reported by the CDC. The affected areas include the District of Columbia and the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Interestingly, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are also investigating a separate outbreak of salmonella infections affecting 23 states, with a total of 158 reported cases. The agencies are working to determine if there is a potential link between the two outbreaks.

Salmonella bacteria are responsible for approximately 1.3 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the US every year, with contaminated food being the primary cause of these illnesses, according to the CDC. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms of salmonella infection are urged to seek medical attention promptly. However, most people recover without requiring specific treatment, and the CDC advises against taking antibiotics unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

To mitigate the risk of infection, the CDC has advised consumers not to consume any recalled cucumbers. Additionally, individuals should thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that have come into contact with a recalled cucumber, using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. The CDC further advised individuals who recently purchased cucumbers to check with the store where they were bought to determine if they are part of the recall. If the origin of the cucumbers cannot be determined, it is recommended not to consume them.