According to federal health officials, untreated water used by a Florida cucumber farmer is the likely source of salmonella food poisoning that caused over 400 people to fall sick across the US.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the US Food and Drug Administration said the grower does not account for all of the cucumber-related illnesses and 125 hospitalizations that were reported since March this year.
FDA said the salmonella sample found in untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida, matched a strain of the bacteria that caused some of the illnesses reported in more than 30 states. The New York Post reported FDA as saying that more than 70 per cent of those who fell sick ate cucumbers before they fell ill.
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What is salmonella poisoning?
A salmonella outbreak occurs when two or more people get this bacterial infection from the same food or drink source. Salmonella is a bacterium found in the feces of people and animals and spread through contaminated food, unsanitary food handling, or agriculture.
Also known as salmonellosis, it is a common bacterial disease that affects your intestinal tract, causing diarrhoea and stomach pains. According to experts, it is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the US.
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When you get salmonella, bacteria go past your stomach acid and immune system to make you sick. It invades and destroys the cells that line your intestines, making it hard for your body to absorb water, which can give you stomach cramps.
Signs and symptoms of salmonella poisoning
Doctors say the symptoms of salmonella appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of salmonella affect your stomach and intestines and include:
- Bloody diarrhoea
- High fever
- Stomachache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
Is salmonella contagious?
Doctors say salmonella is contagious as you can get this bacterial infection from another person or even your pet. If you do not wash your hands after going to the bathroom or while you are sick, you can contaminate surfaces and foods and spread Salmonella to other people.
Who is higher at risk for salmonella?
According to experts, anyone can get salmonella, but you might be at higher risk for infection or serious illness depending on your age, your living conditions, and certain illnesses and medications.
Living or working around high-risk animals
It includes chickens, ducks, turtles, and lizards.
Taking antacids
Antacids lower your defences against salmonella
Living with IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease makes it easier to get an infection.
If you have compromised immunity
You are at a high risk for serious illness from a Salmonella infection if you are over the age of 65 or under the age of 12 months and have a compromised immune system due to other illnesses.