Cucumber-linked salmonella outbreak in the US infects 558, kills 3

Asia News Network/The Straits Times

The number of people infected by salmonella in the ongoing cucumber-linked outbreak in the United States is still rising, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Tuesday (Sept. 22) that 558 cases have been detected so far, including three deaths, according to CNN.

More than half those infected are children aged below 18, the health agency also reported, adding that the state of California had the most number of overall cases.

The figure of infected includes 112 who have needed to be warded, and is 140 more than was reported a week before, according to CNN.

The three deaths took place in the states of in Arizona, California and Texas. The outbreak has already spread to 33 states.

The salmonella poona disease causes symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, similar to that of the regular subtype. Those with weakened immune systems, including babies and old people, are more likely to be infected.

Efforts to recall cucumbers that are linked to the disease are ongoing, reported CNN.

On Sept. 4, Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce recalled Mexico-imported cucumbers sold between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3. The next week, Custom Produce Sales also recalled cucumber sourced from Andrew and Williamson that it sold.

The cucumbers that were recalled had been sold in 24 states.

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