LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 -- A total of 68 people in the United States have been infected with Salmonella linked to cucumbers, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of Thursday, 68 people in 19 U.S. states were infected, including 18 hospitalized.

Many companies have recalled whole fresh cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico. In addition, companies have recalled sliced cucumbers or foods made with cucumbers like wraps and salads in some states, according to CDC.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to work with additional importers that received cucumbers grown by Agrotato S.A. de C.V.

Salmonella are bacteria that can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis. Contaminated food is the source for most of Salmonella illnesses, according to CDC.

Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year.

  - Xinhua