2nd death linked to salmonella-tainted cucumbers

A second death linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak suspected to have been caused by tainted cucumbers has been reported.

A Texas woman died in late August, and salmonella was a "contributing factor," Carrier Williams, a spokeswoman for the state's Department of Health Services, said Wednesday. The woman reportedly had other health problems.

The death followed that of a 99-year-old San Diego woman, who succumbed on Aug. 17, according to California health officials.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported that there have been 341 reported cases of salmonella in 30 states since July 3, with a significant jump since Sept. 4, when only 56 cases were reported. Seventy people have been hospitalized, the CDC said. California had the most cases, at 72, followed by Arizona with 66 and Utah with 30.

The outbreak, caused by a strain called salmonella Poona, has been identified as coming from cucumbers grown in Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego. Andrew & Williamson has issued a recall for cucumbers sold under its Limited Edition label from Aug. 1 to Sept. 3.

"Consumers should not eat, restaurants should not serve, and retailers should not sell recalled cucumbers," the CDC said.

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"If you aren't sure if your cucumbers were recalled, ask the place of purchase or your supplier. When in doubt, don't eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out."

Symptoms of salmonella Poona, which don't differ much from other strains, include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. The illness typically lasts four to seven days, but infections can be severe and sometimes fatal. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at the most risk.