DES MOINES, Iowa — While Iowa was not one of the states included in a 14-state recall of salmonella-carrying cucumbers, the state has three confirmed illnesses attached to the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida has issued a recall for its whole cucumbers which it distributed between May 17 and May 21 in certain states.
CDC tracking of the outbreak has 25 states included in a spread that has sickened 162 people. The outbreak has not been fatal but has totaled 54 hospitalizations nationwide. Iowa currently stands at three sick individuals.
Notably, the recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk to retail distribution centers, wholesalers and food service distributors so they may have been repackaged and shipped to states where the recall is not in place.
If you are worried about the cucumbers you purchased, it is encouraged that you call the store you got them from to see if they are part of the recall.
Symptoms of salmonella:
- Diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps are typical symptoms for most people.
- Symptoms tend to show six hours to six days after bacteria is ingested.
- Most affected persons recover in four to seven days without treatment.
- Children younger than 5, adults over the age of 65 and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness that requires treatment and/or hospitalization.
The CDC encourages you to contact a health care provider if you have any of the below symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not urinating often
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
Any items that have come in contact with salmonella-carrying cucumbers should be washed in a dishwasher or with hot soapy water.
"This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported," the CDC's website states. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella."