A Salmonella The outbreak linked to cucumbers in Florida was much larger than initially reported, sickening 449 people in 31 states and D.C., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed. The CDC has now released an update on the outbreak, first identified in the spring, saying what were initially thought to be two separate infections were connected.

As of July, more than 449 people had been infected in one of two outbreaks, with more than 100 hospitalized. Those affected by the outbreaks live in Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and elsewhere.

The actual number is probably much higher

According to the C.D.C., the true number is likely much higher than reported, because many people recover without medical attention and are never tested for salmonella. The C.D.C. said cucumbers from two Florida farms — Bedner Growers of Boynton Beach and Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton — have been recalled.

The C.D.C. said there will be no product for sale to consumers, and the production season for both is over. “No product from these farms is on the market,” the C.D.C. said in a statement.

one of many Salmonella The strains identified in the outbreak were found in untreated canal water, and additional strains were found in soil and water collected at both farms, the agency said.

What is Salmonella?

experts say Salmonella It is a bacterium – a major cause of foodborne illness – found in and spread through animal or human feces, primarily due to unsanitary agricultural or food handling practices. This bacterium can cause serious and fatal infections in the young, frail or elderly.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people typically: Salmonella By eating contaminated food – often when it’s raw or undercooked – or drinking contaminated water, or by touching infected animals. Salmonella The following symptoms may be experienced:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• nausea
• vomit
• Stomach ache

In rare circumstances, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a more serious infection. Doctors say salmonella is highly contagious — and you can get the infection from another person or even your pet. If you don’t wash your hands after going to the bathroom or when you’re sick, you can contaminate surfaces and foods and spread the infection Salmonella To other people.

Salmonella According to the CDC, there are about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year, with most illnesses caused by food. The CDC said most people recover without any specific treatment and should not take antibiotics.

How to Prevent Salmonella Infection?

• Wash your hands before preparing food and after using the toilet
• Clean used utensils and cooking surfaces before preparing other foods
• Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other items whenever possible to avoid cross-contamination
• cook raw meat and poultry to safe temperatures
• Reheat leftovers properly
• Refrigerate foods promptly and use good defrosting techniques.
• wash fresh produce

Get the latest news on Times Now as well as breaking news and top headlines from across health and the world.