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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating six active outbreaks at this time. Some have been on the books for awhile and have a food source identified. However, some of these active outbreaks have not yet been linked to a suspected or confirmed food source.
Here’s what we know!
Currently, the FDA is investigating six active outbreaks. The oldest of the active outbreaks was announced in late May and the newest was announced July 31, 2024.
Current active outbreaks under investigation:
An outbreak of Salmonella Africana was announced on May 22,2024. In early July, investigators discovered that another Salmonella outbreak involving the Braenderup strain was connected.
Combined, these outbreaks are responsible for 449 illnesses and 125 hospitalizations across 31 states.
No deaths have been reported in connection with this outbreak so far.
The last recorded onset of illness in this outbreak was June 4, 2024, however many mild cases of salmonellosis go unreported. The actual number of impacted individuals is likely much higher.
A cucumber recall was announced on May 31, 2024 for Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc acquired cucumbers from supplier Bedner Growers, Inc.
The problem was discovered when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture identified Salmonella Africana in a product sample. This was later connected to the FDA outbreak investigation.
Recalled products were shipped in bulk cartons between May 17, 2024 and May 21, 2024 to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
An outbreak involving a variety of serious illnesses was announced by the FDA on June 12, 2024.
Reports of severe symptoms, including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting following consumption of Diamond Shruumz-brand products across several states began rolling in.
Overall, there have been at least 113 illnesses, 42 hospitalizations, and two potentially associated deaths across 28 states.
Initially, the FDA alerted consumers with a public health advisory about the illnesses associated with the product. Soon after, though not soon enough, a recall was announced.
On June 27, 2024, Prophet Premium Blends issued a recall for all Diamond Shruumz products due to the presence of Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita. According to the recalls, “Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Daimond Shruumz products.”
These products were available for sale online and in person at a variety of retail locations nationwide. These include smoke/vape shops, retailers selling hemp-derived products (i.e. CBD, delta-8, and/or delta-8 THC).
The FDA is investigating another four active outbreaks. All four of these active outbreaks are still in the traceback investigation phase with no known source identified.
An active outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium was announced on June 19, 2024. So far there are 87 cases associated with this outbreak. The FDA has initiated sample collection activities, however no specific product has been identified at this time.
An active outbreak of Salmonella Irumu was announced July 10, 2024. So far there are 32 cases associated with the outbreak, with one new case recently added. This outbreak has not been linked to a specific product at this time.
Two separate Cyclospora Cayetanensis outbreaks were announced on July 31, 2024. One outbreak has 16 known cases associated with the outbreak. The other has 26 known cases associated with the outbreak.
The FDA has initiated a traceback investigation on these outbreaks, but no specific product has been identified at this time.
During the course of the outbreak traceback investigation, epidemiologic surveys are conducted to help narrow the source of the outbreak. However, investigators only have access to those who report their illnesses.
In most cases, these are the patients who become very sick and need medical intervention. However, most cases of foodborne illness are mild enough that the individual does not need medical assistance. These cases go unreported.
Reporting your illness to your local health department could help strengthen the investigation.
If you have symptoms associated with foodborne illness, call your local health department or contact the FDA’s MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form to report it.
If you have fallen sick recently with foodborne illness symptoms, you may be a part of these active outbreaks or another yet to be reported outbreak.
Common symptoms of Salmonella illness include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms often begin between six hours and six days after consuming food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. These symptoms often resolve within a week (four to seven days).
Most people recover on their own without specific treatment. Antibiotic treatment is usually reserved for those with severe illness or for those who are at risk for severe illness.
In some cases, illness may become so severe that hospitalization is required. Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or your illness is not improving.
Common foods contaminated with Salmonella include:
Cyclospora are microscopic parasites that can contaminate food or water.
In some cases, those infected with Cyclospora show no signs or symptoms.
These parasites infect the small intestine and often causes watery diarrhea with frequent (and sometimes explosive) bowel movements. Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, however onset may start anywhere from two days to two weeks or more.
If not treated, illness can last anywhere from a few days to over a month with one or more relapses of symptoms.
Past outbreaks linked to Cyclospora involved raspberries, basil, snow peas, and mesclun lettuce. Raw oysters have also been known to pass on Cyclospora parasites to a human host.
If you have been impacted by one of these active outbreaks, you likely have questions. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider right away.
An experienced foodborne outbreak lawyer can help you navigate the legal process following your illness. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has helped families with cases just like yours recover millions of dollars. Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out the online submission form to get the justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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