The number of salmonella cases linked to Mexican jalapeños contaminated with the life-threatening bacteria is growing across the U.S., new federal data shows.
There are now 431 cases reported in 32 states, up 86 from the previous week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday.
Cases can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, as well as more severe artery infections, arthritis and heart infections that can be fatal in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, the Food and Drug Administration says.
Salmonella is responsible for an average of 1.35 million infections in the U.S. each year, with contaminated food as the source of most of these illnesses.
There have been 57 hospitalizations tied to this outbreak, which began in June and forced a recall of the Sinaloa peppers by fresh produce distributor Coast Citrus Distributors.
Jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors were passed to distributors, restaurants and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants, the FDA said Wednesday.
People who fell ill reported eating at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA in June and July. Both restaurants said they have removed the products from their facilities.
Several companies also initiated recalls for products made with recalled jalapeños, including salsas, pico de gallo, stuffed mushrooms and soups. The companies included Taylor Fresh Foods, Whole Foods, HEB and NatureBrand.
The investigation into the outbreak remains ongoing.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only outbreak of salmonella Americans have had to worry about.
Nearly 100 cases were linked to white and brown eggs from egg company Midwest Poultry Services since last November.
The FDA designated the recall of those eggs a “Class 1” last week, indicating there is the highest level of health risk from the products.
The eggs were sold in six states, including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi and New Mexico. Texas was most impacted, reporting 73 of the 98 cases.
There have been 26 hospitalizations tied to cases nationwide.
Part of the reason that the outbreak is still a problem is that salmonella is contagious. People may pass the bacteria to others after they touch contaminated surfaces or food, the Cleveland Clinic says.
And symptoms may not begin for up to six days after people swallow bacteria, the CDC warns.
Most people recover on their own after a week, but children younger than age five, seniors and people with compromised immune systems may require hospitalization.
Infections are typically treated with fluids and antibiotics.
People who may have consumed one of the recalled products should contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience diarrhea and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea for more than two days or bloody diarrhea, or are vomiting so much that they cannot keep liquids down or have signs of dehydration.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported in either outbreak.
