The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers that’s affecting 27 states, including Texas.
So far, authorities have confirmed 345 cases of the outbreak, including 36 hospitalizations. However, no deaths have been recorded. The most affected states include Colorado, Minnesota and Illinois, according to the CDC. Both Minnesota and Colorado reported 110 sick people, while Illinois reported 30.
In Texas, only three people have been reported sick from the outbreak.
CDC investigations show the contaminated jalapeño peppers originated in Sinaloa, Mexico, and were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
CDC officials recommend that businesses stop serving affected products.
After being notified about the outbreak, Chipotle Mexican Grill stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers, while QDOBA stopped serving jalapeños altogether, according to federal officials.
Because it takes three to four weeks to determine if sick people are associated with a certain outbreak, this data concerns an outbreak that likely originated in June and continued to spread through the states during July. However, cases tapered off in late July, according to a timeline chart provided by the CDC.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC added in a statement. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”
Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, stomach pains and throwing up. Symptoms can appear within a few hours or a few days of eating tainted food. The Cleveland Clinic recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Prevention includes safe food preparation.
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