A salmonella outbreak from recalled cucumbers has impacted Delaware.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections potentially linked to cucumbers. Epidemiological investigations have identified two strains of the bacteria linked to almost 400 cases of reported illness. The strains are Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one to two people in Delaware became ill because of the cucumbers.

Recalled cucumbers: Cucumbers in 14 states recalled over potential Salmonella contamination

States where people have gotten sick from salmonella linked to cucumbers

Back on May 31, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and shipped to 14 states between May 17 and 21. That recall came after some cucumbers tested positive for salmonella, the FDA said on June 1.

While epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella Africana and may be making people sick, the FDA and CDC have not confirmed that cucumbers are the source of illness in any ongoing outbreaks.  The agencies are continuing to investigate both outbreaks to determine the specific sources and products involved.

However, with so many people who developed salmonella infections having reported eating cucumbers, those cucumbers are likely involved, Bill Marler, a food safety lawyer, told USA TODAY.

Here are the states reporting Salmonella Africana infections:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

According to previous reporting, the cucumbers are unlikely in the marketplace, anyone with the recalled product should not consume it and should destroy and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold where they shop.

Librarians stepping in to register children under 5 for free monthly books has been pivotal in boosting the program’s success. An essential aspect of this success is the partnership with hospitals, as they facilitate the enrollment of newborns in the program.

Despite the program already offering two bilingual books annually, it fell short of meeting the demand. Norman highlighted the critiques from caregivers and parents, who had been vocal about the absence of bilingual materials in Delaware libraries.

“When we first launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, one of the first questions I got — or frankly a criticism — was that it wasn’t bilingual,” she said. “There was actually always at least two books a year that were bilingual, but they really wanted the whole program to be bilingual.”

“Delaware is in the next group of five states that are getting the bilingual option, which is super cool,” she added.

Other states benefiting from the expanded bilingual collection include Tennessee, where Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library originated, as well as Washington, D.C., North Carolina and Ohio.

The push for bilingualism began in California, where the large and diverse population made it a priority. Recognizing this need, many states advocated for the inclusion of bilingual options, too. Hence, the foundation took that need and expanded its bilingual collection beyond California, recently adding Delaware to the list.

Delaware residents can register their children for free books online or at their closest public library, choosing between two options: receiving monthly books in English with occasional bilingual English and Spanish titles, or opting for all books in a bilingual English-Spanish format.

NEWARK, Del. (CBS) — The Brandywine Valley SPCA, along with several partnering rescues, is hosting the Summer Mega Adoption Event this weekend at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware.

More than 1,000 pets will be looking for their forever homes throughout this two-day event. Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will all be available for adoption for just $35. The animals will also be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have their current vaccinations.  

“Our Megas are an amazing experience, to see so many pets who have lost everything be chosen by families eager to give them a new life full of love,” Brandywine Valley’s CEO, Adam Lamb, said in a statement. “As the largest adoption event in the country, our goal with the size and format of our Megas is to save even more lives by reaching folks who might not otherwise consider coming to a shelter to adopt.”

Participating organizations include ACCT Philly, Animal Adoption Center (AAC) (NJ), Animal Care Shelter for Kent County (MD), Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Crossing Paths Animal Rescue (AL), Currituck County Animal Services (NC), Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center (NJ), Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and Montgomery County Animal Shelter (TX).      

The event takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but a limited number of early access Fast Passes will be available for purchase. Fast Passes give potential adopters access at 8:30 a.m., more than an hour ahead of general admission.

Adopters should bring a leash and collar for a dog adoption (also available for purchase), a carrier for a cat (cardboard carriers generously donated by Petco Love will be available), a valid ID and the adoption fee.    

This will be the BVSPCA’s sixteenth Mega Adoption Event. The first Mega took place in December 2016, and to date, BVSPCA-led Mega Adoption Events powered by Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers over the last eight years have found homes for nearly 16,000 pets.

The Bob Carpenter Center is located at 631 South College Avenue in Newark, Delaware.