National recall of cucumbers due to Salmonella risk

Clark County cases reported

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 8, 2015

LAS VEGAS – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections potentially linked to imported cucumbers from Mexico and distributed by Andrews & Williamson Fresh Produce.

According to the CDC, 285 people in 27 states are infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Poona. Currently, Nevada is reporting seven cases related to the outbreak, four of the cases are reported in Clark County. Eleven illness clusters have been identified in seven of these states. During interviews it was found that cucumbers were a food item eaten by people in each of the clusters.

On September 4, 2015, Andrews & Williamson voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold under its Limited Edition® label during the period from August 1, 2015 through September 3, 2015, due to possible contamination. The Southern Nevada Health District is advising consumers not to eat recalled cucumbers. Retailers and restaurants should dispose of the product. If consumers and retailers are not sure if their product is part of the recall, the product should be thrown out.

If a person is ill and consumed cucumbers, he or she should seek medical care from a health care provider.

Salmonella is an infection of the gastrointestinal system caused by bacteria. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts four to seven days. It can cause severe and sometimes fatal infection. Children are at highest risk of infection. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to have severe infections.

Updated information about this outbreak is available on the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/index.html.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.