The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported an escalation in the number of illnesses and states affected by a widespread salmonella outbreak associated with cucumbers. As of December 19th, the FDA's update indicated that the outbreak has resulted in 100 confirmed cases across 23 states, a significant increase from the 68 cases in 19 states reported earlier this month. Among the 90 individuals with available data, 25 have been hospitalized, which is an increase from the previously reported 18. Fortunately, no fatalities have been documented. The FDA also noted that out of 67 people who were interviewed, 54 (approximately 81%) recalled consuming or likely consuming cucumbers.

SunFed Produce, an Arizona-based company, has recalled cucumbers distributed between October 12 and November 26 in over two dozen states, including sales at select Walmart, Wegmans, and Albertsons stores, as well as in parts of Canada. The recall was initiated due to potential salmonella contamination. Costco and Kroger have also recently informed their customers about the sale of some of the recalled cucumbers. SunFed's president, Craig Slate, stated in a press release on November 27, "Upon learning of this issue, we took immediate action to safeguard consumers. We are collaborating closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to identify the possible cause of the contamination."

The FDA is continuing to work with retailers and distributors to ascertain whether further recalls are necessary. USA TODAY contacted SunFed for additional comments regarding the situation. Here are the key points to understand about the cucumber recall:

The FDA has been updating its list of recalled brands and dates since the initial recall, adding more brands that may be at risk for salmonella contamination. Here is the comprehensive list of dates and brands that have issued recalls:

• December 1: Russ Davis, Crazy Fresh, Quick & Easy, Kowalski's Markets
• December 3: Marketside
• December 4: Snowfruit, Snowfox
• December 4: Supreme Produce
• December 4: Yummi Sushi
• December 5: Dairyland Produce, LLC
• December 6: Fresh Creative Foods
• December 6: F&S Fresh Foods
• December 9: Sprouts Farmers Market

USA TODAY's Recall Database allows you to search for vehicle, product, and food recalls.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that 100 people have been affected by the salmonella outbreak, with epidemiologic and traceback data suggesting that the contamination may be traced back to cucumbers grown by the produce company Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico. However, the actual number of affected individuals could be higher, as many people recover without seeking medical attention and are not tested.

According to the CDC, the number of cases by state is as follows:

• Alaska, 2
• Arizona, 1
• California, 3
• Colorado, 8
• Illinois, 3
• Iowa, 3
• Massachusetts, 6
• Michigan, 2
• Montana, 17
• Nebraska, 1
• Nevada, 1
• New Jersey, 2
• New Mexico, 1
• New York, 1
• Ohio, 1
• Oregon, 8
• Pennsylvania, 1
• South Dakota, 5
• Texas, 6
• Utah, 2
• Washington, 6
• Wisconsin, 12
• Wyoming, 8

It is important to note that the whole fresh American cucumbers were sold by SunFed and other importers, and then shipped to customers in 26 states. The cucumbers may also have reached consumers through food service and retail outlets in additional states, as stated by the FDA. Here is the list of states where recalled cucumbers were sold:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Cucumbers with potential health risks due to salmonella were also used in Fresh Creative Foods Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits, which were sold nationwide in Sam's Clubs, and in Sprouts Farmers Market Gyro Family Kits sold in Georgia. The cucumbers were also sold in the following Canadian provinces:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Calgary
• Saskatchewan
• Ontario

Salmonella is a bacteria that can contaminate the food production chain when sanitation practices are inadequate and food handlers do not wash their hands properly, according to the FDA. The bacteria can also spread through contaminated water used for irrigating crops, as noted by the CDC. Symptoms of salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, typically manifest between six hours and six days after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Severe infections can lead to additional symptoms such as muscle aches, headaches, high fever, fatigue, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool. In some cases, salmonella infections can be fatal.

Salmonella is responsible for approximately 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Earlier this summer, a separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers (not associated with SunFed) affected at least 449 people across 31 states, as reported by the CDC. Other recent salmonella outbreaks have been linked to pet bearded dragons, backyard poultry, and basil.

Ahjané Forbes, a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY, covers a wide range of topics including breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. You can reach her at aforbes@gannett.com or follow her on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter @forbesfineest. This article was originally published on USA TODAY and has been updated to reflect the latest information on the cucumber recall and salmonella outbreak.