Texas Woman Dies After Eating Tainted Cucumber
A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers imported from Mexico by a California company is being blamed for the death of a Texas woman.
The Texas woman's death is the second reported in connection with the outbreak that prompted a recall of "slicer" cucumbers distributed by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce and grown in Baja, Mexico, according to NBC DFW.
The CDC says that 341 cases have been reported in 30 states, and 70 people have been hospitalized in connection with the contamination.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the recalled cucumbers were distributed in various states, including Texas, and were generally sold in bulk bins under the "Limited Edition" brand name. The cucumbers may not be easily identified by a label or sticker. The recalled cucumbers are dark green and 7 to 10 inches long. Anyone unsure if cucumbers they purchased are part of the recall, should contact the store where they were purchased. If you are still unsure if your cucumbers are included in the recall, health officials say better safe than sorry, and to toss 'em.
Symptoms of salmonella include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting beginning 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated food or beverage, according to the CDC. More severe symptoms can develop in those with weakened immune systems as well as the elderly and children.
There's no word from the CDC on whether cucumbers purchased for purposes other than consumption should also be thrown away.