At least 66 people are sick in Arizona following a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers grown in Mexico, health officials said.
“Arizona health officials are working with federal and local partners to investigate a large number of cases of Salmonella Poona infections in multiple counties,” the Arizona Department of Health Services said.
As of Thursday, 66 cases have been identified in six counties in the state.
Salmonella Poona has the same symptoms as the regular subtype, including diarrhea. Infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Health officials reassured residents that the food produced in the state is not at risk.
“The food supply in Arizona and across the United States is one of the safest in the world, because we work to stop foodborne illness before it reaches the consumer,” said Mark Killian, director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
“We are part of an advanced food inspection system that ensures the safest possible food supply.”
Officials urged residents who have eaten cucumber to see a doctor if they have severe diarrhea.
