The Centers for Disease Control and Epidemiology are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infection associated with cucumbers. The affected product was grown by Agrotato S.A. de C.V. in Sonora state, Mexico. As of November 26th, 68 cases from 19 states are attributed to the source with diagnoses extending from mid-October to mid-November. Eighteen out of 50 cases investigated required hospitalization.
It is presumed that the cucumbers were either irrigated with contaminated water or the pathogen was present in water used to wash the product before packing and distribution. Salmonella Typhimurium may have been introduced to irrigation water on human feces in situations where farmers do not provide suitable toilet facilities for field workers.