CDC adds 86 Salmonella cases, 5 states to jalapeño pepper outbreak, 431 total

Federal health officials reported a significant increase in the Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated jalapeño peppers, with the case count jumping to 431 people across 32 states. The update, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, added 86 illnesses and five states to the tally. Hospitalizations also rose sharply from 36 to 57. No deaths have been associated with the outbreak.

The rise in confirmed cases reflects infections that occurred weeks ago, as the CDC typically requires three to four weeks to confirm whether a sick person is part of an outbreak. The most recent illness began on August 2, meaning the newly reported cases represent infections that have only now completed the testing and reporting process. Epidemiologists say the true number of people sickened is likely higher than reported, as many individuals recover without seeking medical care and are never tested.

Investigation by federal agencies has traced the source to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Interviews with 224 ill individuals found that 91 percent reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming...