In the first update in about a month, federal health officials say 71 more people sick with the Salmonella Poona outbreak strain have been reported from 23 states, bringing the total cases to 838.
The death toll remains at four: Arizona (1), California (1), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (1).
38 of 50 states have reported cases with the addition of Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Based on the comprehensive investigation, cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce as a likely source of the infections in this outbreak. The investigation into the source of these recent illnesses is ongoing.
Two recalls of cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella were announced as a result of this investigation: Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales.
The number of reported illnesses has declined substantially since the peak of illnesses in August and September; however, it has not returned to the number of reported illnesses that we would expect to see (about 5 every month).
