Deaths linked to salmonella-tainted cucumbers increase to three

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Three people have died and at least 558 have been sickened from eating salmonella-tainted cucumbers imported from Mexico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Some 112 people have been hospitalized in the ongoing outbreak. Deaths were reported in Arizona, California and Texas. Of those sick, more than half are under age 18, the CDC said.

Investigators have linked the disease back to the vegetables distributed by the San Diego, Calif.-based Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce as a likely source of the infections in the outbreak.

"Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families and their loved ones. We want to let those who are affected know we are fully cooperating with health officials to ensure we are doing everything possible to learn if we are responsible and how this could have happened," the company said in its most recent statement.

The cucumbers are commonly referred to as "slicer" or "American" cucumbers and are dark green and about 7 to 10 inches long. The cucumbers were sold under the "Limited Edition" brand and shipped in green and black cardboard boxes. Labeling on the cases of recalled cucumbers indicates the product was grown and packed by Rancho Don Juanito in Mexico.

The CDC said in addition to the Andrew and Williamson recall, Custom Produce Sales voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold under its Fat Boy label. The cucumbers were sent to Custom Produce Sales from Andrew & Williamson.

Recalled cucumbers were distributed in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

Most people infected with salmonella develop symptoms, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, within 12 to 72 hours of being exposed to the bacteria. Most people recover within a week.