Aug 19 (Reuters) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday that a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeno peppers has infected 431 people across 32 states, up from 345 cases in 27 states reported earlier this month.
Here are more details:
• U.S. health authorities are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella javiana infections, with the CDC reporting a total of 431 infections, 57 hospitalizations and no deaths, as of August 19.
• According to the CDC, illnesses began between June 19 and August 2.
• Salmonella is a group of rod-shaped bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
• The infections have been linked to jalapeno peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
• 91% of people interviewed reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness, including at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, the CDC said.
• Chipotle switched its jalapeno supplier, while QDOBA restaurants ceased using the ingredient.
• The salmonella outbreak comes as U.S. health officials also investigate a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, a major food-service producer.
• The CDC estimates salmonella causes more than 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States every year.
(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti Pujara)
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