As of July 2, 2024, the outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup has affected 449 people across 31 states and the District of Columbia. Among these cases, 215 have been identified with the Salmonella Braenderup strain, which has recently been added to the outbreak’s profile.
The illnesses have been reported between March 11 and June 4, 2024. Of the 360 patients for whom hospitalization data is available, 125 have been hospitalized, but no fatalities have been reported.
Public health investigators have utilized the PulseNet system to trace the outbreak, which involves a national database of bacterial DNA fingerprints. Through whole genome sequencing (WGS), it was determined that the bacteria from the affected individuals are genetically similar. This suggests that the illnesses are linked to a common source, likely a contaminated food item.
The FDA’s traceback investigation has pinpointed Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida as a key supplier of cucumbers involved in this outbreak. The investigation found Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water at this grower’s facility, which matches the strain causing the outbreak.
However, this grower is not responsible for all the outbreak cases. The FDA’s analysis also revealed other Salmonella strains in soil and water samples from Bedner Growers, Inc.
The CDC and FDA are continuing their investigation to determine whether these additional Salmonella strains from Bedner Growers, Inc. are linked to the outbreak. The situation is ongoing, and both agencies are working to identify the full scope of the outbreak and its sources.
