Heap of green mexican jalapeno hot peppers close up. Food photography
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers has sickened 431 people across 32 states, as health officials continue to investigate the source and distribution of the contaminated produce.
By the numbers:
The latest figures mark an increase from earlier this month, when the CDC reported 345 cases across 27 states. As of August 19, the outbreak has resulted in 57 hospitalizations and no deaths.
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Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños expands
A growing salmonella outbreak linked to imported jalapeño peppers has sickened hundreds of people across the country, including Georgia and Wisconsin. The affected peppers were served at some Chipotle and Qdoba restaurants, but the FDA says there is no ongoing risk at either chain since the restaurants removed jalapeño from their recipes. LiveNOW's Anna Marsick brings Dr. Darin Detwiler from Northeastern University into the conversation to discuss.
Dig deeper:
Health officials are investigating infections caused by Salmonella Javiana. According to the CDC, illnesses associated with the outbreak began between June 19 and August 2.
The infections have been linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
The CDC said 91% of people interviewed during the investigation reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill. Restaurants identified by patients included Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA.
Chipotle has since switched its jalapeño supplier, while QDOBA restaurants stopped using the ingredient.
Why you should care:
Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness characterized by symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
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What is salmonella infection?
People with salmonella infection often suffer diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps after getting in contact with infected animals, their feces, or their environment or eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Big picture view:
The outbreak comes as U.S. health authorities are also investigating a separate multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, a major food-service producer.
Foodborne salmonella remains a significant public health concern in the United States. The CDC estimates the bacteria cause more than 1 million foodborne illnesses nationwide each year.
The Source: Reuters contributed to this report. The information in the story primarily came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., This story was reported from Los Angeles.