Second person dies after eating cucumber contaminated with salmonella in outbreak which has left 70 people hospitalized 

  • The outbreak began July 3
  • Salmonella Poona was linked to Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce 'Limited Edition' cucumbers
  • A 99-year-old woman was the first victim; the second hasn't been publicly identified 

By Kiri Blakeley For Dailymail.com

Published: 08:38 EST, 10 September 2015 | Updated: 20:04 EST, 10 September 2015

A second person has died from eating tainted cucumbers. 

The same cucumbers that likely killed a 99-year-old woman in San Diego on August 17 have now reportedly killed a person in Texas. 

The cucumbers, supplied by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce and grown in Baja, Mexico, are infected with salmonella. 

Scroll down for video 

Government agencies are investigating a large outbreak of salmonella linked to cucumbers - so far two people have died 

Government agencies are investigating a large outbreak of salmonella linked to cucumbers - so far two people have died 

Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce 'Pole Grown' cucumbers (like the ones above) have been recalled

Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce 'Pole Grown' cucumbers (like the ones above) have been recalled

The Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Poona linked to 'slicer' cucumbers or 'American cucumbers' distributed by the San Diego-based company, reports NBC DFW.

The cucumbers are shipped in a black, green, and yellow colored carton which reads 'Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers', according to the FDA.

The latest victim reportedly had other health conditions, but salmonella contributed to her death. The victim, who succumbed in late August, remains unnamed.

341 people have been sickened and 70 hospitalized since the outbreak began in July in 30 states (map above)

341 people have been sickened and 70 hospitalized since the outbreak began in July in 30 states (map above)

Starting July 3, there have been 341 people infected in 30 states, according to the CDC. 70 people have been hospitalized in addition to the two people who died.

Over half of the sick are children. 

STATE BY STATE: THE OUTBREAK 

According to NBC DFW, the sick have been reported in the following states: 

Alaska (9), Arizona (66), Arkansas (6), California (72), Colorado (14), Hawaii (1), Idaho (8), Illinois (6), Kansas (1), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (4), Minnesota (12), Missouri (8), Montana (10), Nebraska (2), Nevada (7), New Mexico (18), New York (4), North Dakota (1), Ohio (2), Oklahoma (8), Oregon (8), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (7), Utah (30), Virginia (1), Washington (10), Wisconsin (2) and Wyoming (3). 

People with underlying health problems, the elderly and children are generally more susceptible to salmonella poisoning. 

The infected develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment, according to reports.

Approximately 400 people in the United States die each year from salmonella poisoning.

Reportedly, the infected cucumbers from Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce may not be easy to identify by label since they come individually wrapped with no labeling except on a box.

Officials say it is better to throw out cucumbers if in doubt. Also, check with the store where you bought them to see if they are part of the recall.

Concerned customers can also call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 9am and 3pm central time, or to check the press release at FDA.gov.

 

 

 

  

Comments (103)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now