A multi-state salmonella outbreak has prompted a massive recall of cucumbers across the United States.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection of the intestinal tract in humans.  According to the Mayo Clinic, Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that can cause a fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

The symptoms typically occur within 72 hours of exposure, but can happen as early as 8 hours after exposure. Mayo Clinic says that most healthy people will recover within a few days without specific treatment, but if the infection spreads beyond the intestines, it can cause severe complications.   

Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Whole Cucumbers

The CDC has been tracking a recent Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to whole cucumbers. So far, there have been reports of salmonella infections in 15 different states, including Kentucky and Illinois. So far 26 illnesses and 9 hospitalizations have been linked to this specific outbreak.

Testing has linked this outbreak to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers Inc and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales between April 29th to May 19th.  In a notice from the FDA, they say these cucumbers may not have the same product label or best by date.

Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date.  For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being “supers,” “selects,” or “plains”.

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What To Do if You Have Cucumbers at Home or Out to Eat

The CDC says if you have cucumbers at home and can't verify that they didn't come from the contaminated places, you should throw them away and sanitize any surfaces they touched with soapy hot water as a precaution.  They also recommend asking servers where the cucumbers in the restaurant are from before ordering cucumbers when going out to eat for the next week.

Salmonella Symptoms to Look Out For

The CDC says to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up

Follow the FDA and CDC for updates on this outbreak.