In 2012 federal, state and local health and agriculture agencies investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections associated with cucumbers or iceberg lettuce. In October, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Public Health Laboratory (PHL) identified a cluster of genetically indistinguishable Salmonella Javiana isolates, Xba1 designation JGGX01.0500. Review of the national PulseNet database revealed additional cases from 9 states (AZ 3, CA 15, IL 6, MI 2, MN 4, ND 2, NJ 1, SD 1, and WI 3). A total of 37 cases were identified. Six cases were hospitalized. Ill onset dates ranged from August 6 through November 10, 2012.

Nationally, 23 cases were interviewed. Consuming iceberg lettuce (19 of 23 [83%] cases vs. 46% in the population survey; p=0.06, fresh spinach (8 of 20 [40%] cases vs 24% in the population survey; p=0.08), and cucumbers (14 of 22 [64%} cases vs 47% in the population survey; p=0.09) approached being significantly associated with illness.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture and South Dakota Health Department conducted a traceback of the cucumber and iceberg lettuce consumed by cases who ate at restaurant Chain A. Arizona Department of Public Health Services conducted a traceback of the cucumber and iceberg lettuce consumed by cases after purchase at different retail locations. Records indicated 17 possible common iceberg lettuce growers and 3 possible common growers for cucumbers.

Investigators concluded this was a multi-state outbreak of S. Javiana but a common producer could not be identified.