US reports 943 people now sickened by salmonella; at least 130 hospitalized

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The US government on Saturday increased its tally of the number of people reported being sickened in a record salmonella outbreak in which tomatoes are the leading suspect, although other produce is being investigated. There have been 943 reported cases across the United States, with at least 130 hospitalizations since mid-April after the first salmonella illnesses appeared, the Food and Drug Administration said Saturday. That compares with a total of 922 people about two days ago and 869 reported earlier in the past week. The FDA also said it had begun looking at jalapeno peppers as a possible cause of the outbreak, as well as ingredients used to make salsa such as cilantro and Serrano peppers. Tomatoes continue to be investigated as well, spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek said.