Multistate salmonella infections climb to 431, US CDC says

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)