The United States has been battling many health crises since the beginning of this year. To this never-ending crisis, yet another salmonella outbreak is added, and it has been linked to cucumbers which were grown in Florida. As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s statement on May 19, as reported in Associated Press, at least 26 people across 15 states have gotten sick, and nine were hospitalized. What Exactly Happened?The cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers and were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales and were sent to various restaurants, grocery stores, and food service companies between April 25 to May 19. As per the AP report, they would be well within its shelf life. However, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted, the first illnesses were actually reported between April 2 to April 28. Some of these people were the ones who had eaten cucumbers while on cruise ships out of Florida. The outbreak was then discovered after a follow-up inspection. A previous outbreak that had happened, sickened as many as 551 people and led to 155 hospitalization in 2024. The previous outbreak was linked to untreated canal water which was used by the same company, Bedner Growers and another Florida farm, Thomas Produce Company. In the recent case, salmonella which was found on the farm matched the bacteria in the people who had fallen sick, confirmed the FDA. Organic cucumbers, however, are not affected. Stores should notify customers who may have purchased the cucumbers, and consumers are advised to discard them if they’re unsure of the source.Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. While most people recover within a few days, the illness can be more severe for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.What Is Salmonella?As per the FDA, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animal to people.FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.Pets too could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.What Are The Symptoms Like?FDA notes that most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours of the infection, which lasts for about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.Most people experience these following symptoms:DiarrheaFeverAbdominal CrampsIn severe cases of salmonella, you may experience:High feverAchesHeadachesLethargyA rashBlood in urine and stoolAs per the CDC, each year, around 450 people diet in the United States due to acute salmonellosis.Who Are At More Risk?Children who are younger than five and the elderly, and people with weakened immune system could be more at risk to have severe salmonellosis infections.