Second Rhode Island Zeppole Salmonella poisoning victims dies

A man infected with the Salmonella virus linked to contaminated Zeppole pastries has died.

According to a CNN report, health officials in Rhode Island, where the Salmonella outbreak appears primarily contained to, stopped short of saying the death is due to the Salmonella bacteria. At least one other person has died after eating a contaminated Zeppole distributed by DeFusco’s Bakery, in Rhode Island.

Officials will have to determine if this recent victim’s death is linked to the Salmonella infection or another medical cause. The last victim was in his 90s, according to Rhode Island health officials.

At least 66 people have possibly contracted Salmonella poisoning after eating baked goods from DeFusco’s. The bakery distributes products around the state and also has its own locations. One victim lives in Massachusetts, but it’s unclear where that person bought their contaminated product.

Authorities have confirmed 39 cases. Of those, 28 have required hospitalization and two have died.

Investigations into the outbreak – as we’ve reported in the last two weeks – have revealed that DeFusco’s stored baked goods in used egg crates. Those egg crates have tested positive for Salmonella bacteria.

Officials are now looking into the supplier of the eggs to DeFusco’s, according to CNN.