SACRAMENTO >> A 99-year-old San Diego woman who died last month is the first reported fatality linked to a national outbreak of salmonella attributed to imported cucumbers, state health officials said.
The California Department of Public Health on Friday warned consumers against eating garden cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce because these cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella.
State health officials say 285 individuals in 27 states have been infected with salmonella serotype Poona, with 51 of these case-patients being reported in 17 California counties. The woman, who died on Aug. 17, as well as 15 other San Diego residents and three visitors to that county, are part of the outbreak.
The state has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local county health departments to assess the scope of the outbreak and identify possible causes.
Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego initiated a voluntary recall of their garden cucumbers, after being informed of the epidemiologic association between these cucumbers and the Salmonella Poona outbreak. The recalled garden cucumbers can be identified in distribution channels as “Limited Edition” brand pole grown cucumbers. The labeling on these cases indicates the product was grown and packed by Rancho Don Juanito in Mexico. These cucumbers were distributed between Aug. 1 and Thursday.
The CDPH recommends that consumers check with their grocer to determine if the cucumbers they purchased are impacted by this warning.
Domestically produced cucumbers are not believed to be involved in this outbreak.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Most infected people recover within a week. Some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for more severe illness.
State health officials recommend consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming cucumbers consult their health care provider.
