Cruise Passengers Sickened in Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak

A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers has sickened at least eight cruise passengers, among a total of 45 cases reported across 18 U.S. states. According to the Miami Herald, the source of the outbreak has been traced to whole cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers Inc., a Florida-based agricultural producer. Health officials have confirmed that 16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the illness, although the specific cruise lines involved have not been disclosed.

The outbreak is being closely monitored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which warns that the number of infections is likely higher than reported. Many people infected with salmonella experience mild symptoms and recover without medical attention, meaning they are not tested or included in official case counts. The CDC believes the actual scale of the outbreak could be significantly underreported.

Cucumbers implicated in the outbreak were distributed to retail stores and restaurants by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. between April 29 and May 19. While the affected cucumbers have been officially recalled and should no longer be on store shelves, health officials are urging caution. Consumers are advised to throw away any cucumbers in their homes if they are unsure of their source. The CDC also recommends asking restaurants about the origin of cucumbers in meals over the coming days, particularly whether they were supplied by Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce.

The illnesses have been reported in a wide range of states, including Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Michigan, New York, California, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. While no deaths have been reported, the hospitalization rate reflects the seriousness of the outbreak.

The CDC continues to investigate the full extent of the contamination and how the cucumbers made their way onto cruise ships and into food service operations nationwide. Investigators are working with local health departments to trace the supply chain and identify additional potential exposure points. Cruise passengers, given the confined nature of ship environments, may have been more vulnerable due to the shared food services onboard.

Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of consuming contaminated food. Most people recover without treatment, but some cases require hospitalization, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Public health officials are urging anyone who has recently consumed cucumbers and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention. They also emphasize the importance of safe food handling practices and awareness when dining out, particularly during the period of an active investigation and recall. The CDC continues to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the source and spread of the outbreak.

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