CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory data show that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Bedner Growers Inc., of Boynton Beach, FL, is the source of cucumbers implicated in an outbreak of Salmonella infections.
According to FDA investigators, untreated canal water is the most likely source of the pathogen.
The outbreak, which involves two strains of Salmonella — Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup — has sickened 449 people across 31 states and the District of Columbia. Of the 188 patients interviewed, 129 reported eating cucumbers before becoming ill.
July 2, 2024
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections with 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.
As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc., a grower that supplies Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. FDA collected samples as part of this inspection and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the Salmonella found in the water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak. Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at Bedner Growers, Inc. CDC and FDA are looking to see if these strains have caused illness in people.
Additionally, based on traceback information collected, Bedner Growers, Inc. supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported purchasing or eating cucumbers. FDA is continuing to conduct traceback to identify other possible points of contamination.
As of July 1, 2024, a total of 449 people infected with 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. Of the 188 people interviewed, 129 (69%) reported eating cucumbers.
Bedner Growers, Inc.’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from this farm on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public. Additionally, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak.
FDA’s investigation is ongoing. This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has seen an increase in the number of people infected with the gastrointestinal bacterium Salmonella typhimurium in recent months. So far this year, infection has been detected in 33 people living all over Norway. Domestic infection is suspected, but the cause is currently unknown.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health receives continuous notifications of all confirmed S salmonella cases.
– Especially since the month of April, we have seen an increase in cases of Salmonella Typhimurium that have been infected in Norway compared to the last three years, says doctor Hilde Marie Lund.
The infected live all over the country and are distributed across all age groups. The reason for the increase is currently unknown.
– We have therefore, in collaboration with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Veterinary Institute, initiated enhanced monitoring of all confirmed cases of S. Typhimurium in Norway. A selection of the people who are infected are followed up with an interview so that we can find out if they have a common source of infection, explains Lund.
A severe food poisoning outbreak linked to a kebab shop in Abergavenny, Wales, in the UK has left at least one victim still suffering from health complications more than a year later. John Inglesby, 76, is among over 50 customers who contracted shigella bacteria after eating at Marmaris Kebab House in February 2023. Food Poisoning News reported on this story last month.
Inglesby’s ordeal began when he visited the kebab shop shortly after returning to work following his wife’s death, according to The Sun. What should have been a comforting meal turned into a nightmare as he experienced severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweats. A visit to the doctor confirmed he had contracted shigella, a highly contagious intestinal infection spread through contaminated food.
As of 25 June, there have been a further 19 cases associated with the recent outbreak of STEC O145 since the last update a week ago, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275 in the UK. All currently confirmed cases had symptom onset dates before 4 June. Although case reporting rates are declining, we expect to see more cases linked to this outbreak as further samples are referred to us from NHS laboratories and whole genome sequencing is conducted.
Confirmed case totals:
Based on information from 249 cases to date, 49% were admitted to hospital.
Through surveillance, UKHSA has identified 2 individuals in England who died within 28 days of infection with the STEC outbreak strain. Based on the information available from health service clinicians one of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection. Both individuals had underlying medical conditions. The deaths occurred in May.
Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is an infectious disease caused by salmonella that infects the digestive tract. It is usually characterized by gastrointestinal disorders.
More information at the link above
One person has died in an E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom linked to salad leaves.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified two people in England who died within 28 days of being infected with the outbreak strain. Based on information from health service clinicians, only one death is likely linked to STEC infection. Both individuals had underlying medical conditions and the deaths were in May.
UKHSA also revealed the incident is a re-emergence of an STEC cluster investigated in 2023, where no source could be confirmed.
A 61‐year‐old man with moderate stroke risk factors, including hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, presented with rapidly progressive ptosis, diplopia, ataxia and dysarthria. No infective prodrome or suspected food poisoning was initially disclosed. Given this presentation, brainstem stroke was the primary differential diagnosis.
On Day 2, he developed vomiting, dysphagia and severe respiratory distress, requiring intubation. He subsequently developed complete ophthalmoplegia, descending flaccid paralysis and required ventilation. A differential diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome was then considered. Sequential intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchanges were minimally effective. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unremarkable with no raised protein levels. Test results for anti‐ganglioside antibodies, including anti‐GQ1‐b (both IgG and IgM), were negative. Nerve conduction studies and electromyogram (performed on Day 4) results confirmed a generalised, predominantly motor neuropathy (Box 1 and Box 2). Results from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and spine/plexus with contrast were normal.
Day 4 results from the nerve conduction study and electromyogram suggesting a severe motor predominant neuropathy with relative sensory sparing (likely too early to appreciate muscle denervation)
Day 88 results from the nerve conduction study and electromyogram showing persisting generalised reduction in upper and lower limb motor amplitudes, (although improving), with relative sparing of sensory responses
Further history on Day 15 revealed that the patient had consumed foul‐tasting almond milk 12–36 hours prior to symptom onset. The differentials then expanded to include botulism. Following consultation with the infectious diseases department, further tests were requested. Clostridium botulinum culture and test results for toxin A‐G nucleic acid were negative on retained milk sample and stool. The results from the C. botulinum direct toxin test using the mouse bioassay (pooled antitoxin A, B and E) demonstrated the presence of botulinum toxin in a retained sample of the milk. The FilmArray BioThreat Panel (BioFire Defense) test on a retained sample of milk detected botulinum toxin A nucleic acid. After guidance from infectious diseases and public health authorities on Day 16, the patient was administered botulin antitoxin obtained from the National Medical Stockpile. The implicated milk product was subsequently recalled.1 The patient was weaned off mechanical ventilation five months after admission to the intensive care unit.
|
Product(s) |
|||||
|
6/19/ 2024 |
1234 |
Salmonella |
Not Yet |
53 |
Active |
|
6/12/ 2024 |
1233 |
Not Yet |
Chocolate, |
Active |
|
|
6/5/ 2024 |
1229 |
Salmonella |
Not Yet |
185 |
Active |
|
5/22/ 2024 |
1232 |
Not Yet |
2 |
Active |
|
|
5/22/ 2024 |
1227 |
Salmonella |
Not Yet |
196 |
Active |
|
4/17/ 2024 |
1221 |
E. coli |
Organic |
Active |
FoodWorld 