Updated
Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 20
US Jalapeno-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Reaches 431 Cases in 32 States
Updated
Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 20

US Jalapeno-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Reaches 431 Cases in 32 States

3 articles · Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Aug 20

Summary

  • 431 infections and 57 hospitalizations have now been recorded in 32 states, up by 86 cases, 21 hospitalizations and five states from the prior CDC count.
  • CDC said the outbreak is likely larger because many patients recover without testing and case confirmation typically lags illnesses by three to four weeks.
  • 91% of 224 interviewed patients said they ate at Mexican-style restaurants before getting sick, and investigators have tied 28 illness clusters in eight states to venues including Chipotle and Qdoba.
  • The contaminated jalapenos were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, and prompted NatureBest on Aug. 8 to recall products sold in Texas and Louisiana from July 3 to Aug. 5.
  • Patients range from 1 to 85 years old, and while most Salmonella infections cause gastrointestinal illness, severe cases can become life-threatening for young children, older adults and immunocompromised people.

Insights

Could the jalapeños in your fridge be part of a massive, multistate outbreak that regulators haven't fully connected yet?
What hidden supply chain flaw is allowing contaminated peppers to slip into the nation's biggest grocery stores undetected?