Salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers, small turtles
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments continue their investigation into the Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. The outbreak investigation was first reported in June 2024.
In their latest update report on August 14, a total of 449 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 31 states and the District of Columbia.
Of these illnesses, 215 people were infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup strain.
Of 360 people with information available, 125 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 188 people interviewed, 129 (69%) reported eating cucumbers.
FDA’s laboratory and traceback data, along with epidemiologic information, have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.
Based on traceback information collected, Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers. As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of canal water used by Thomas Produce Company. WGS analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained the Salmonella that is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak.
Bedner Growers, Inc.’s and Thomas Produce Company’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public.
Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Small Turtles
Public health officials are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella linked to small turtles.
CDC has received 51 reports of Salmonella illness from 21 states linked to contact with small turtles (shells less than 4 inches long).
Forty-eight percent of people have been hospitalized (23 out of 48). No deaths have been reported.
This outbreak is affecting young children. Seventeen are children under 5 years and 10 are children under the age of 1 year.
The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
A federal law bans the sale and distribution of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long as pets because they have caused many illnesses, especially in young children. Despite the ban, these turtles are sometimes still sold illegally online, at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands.
In June 2024, samples were collected from a sick person’s turtle in California for testing. This turtle was purchased from a street vendor. WGS performed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Laboratory showed that Salmonella serotype Poona from the turtle was closely related to the bacteria from sick people.
Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube
In July 2024, samples were collected from one turtle and its environment in a sick person’s home in Illinois for testing. The turtle was purchased from a souvenir shop. WGS performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory showed the Salmonella Poona on the turtle and its environment were the same as the bacteria from the sick individual.
Eighteen people in both outbreaks reported purchasing or receiving these small turtles from a variety of locations:
Street vendors, 5 (28%)
Online retailers, 4 (22%)
Souvenir shops, 4 (22%)
Received as gift, 2 (11%)
Swap meets, 1 (6%)
Pet stores, 1 (6%)
Social media, 1 (6%)
A common turtle supplier to these locations has not been identified.
What You Should Do:
Only buy turtles with shells longer than 4 inches and get them from reputable pet stores or rescues.
Stay healthy around your pet turtle by always washing your hands after touching, feeding, or caring for your turtle. Help young children wash their hands properly.
Don’t release your turtle into the wild if you decide you no longer want it. Reach out to your local pet store or reptile rescue.
Pick the right pet for your family. Pet turtles are not recommended for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems as they are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that turtles can carry.
Salmonella
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.