Salmonella Outbreak Taints 302 Individuals Across 42 States, Claims Four Lives
Canada's tally of confirmed cases related to the outbreak hits 153 in eight provinces, resulting in six fatalities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their Canadian counterparts, the majority of illnesses affect young children and adults aged 65 and over.
However, the CDC warns that the true number of infected individuals is likely to be significantly higher. Many individuals without access to medical care may recover without being tested for Salmonella, thus not being included in the reported cases.
Whole cantaloupes from the brands Malichita and Rudy, along with pre-cut fruit products, sold by national retailers such as Kwik Trip, Kroger, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Aldi, and RaceTrac, are identified as part of the outbreak.
The CDC advises against consuming pre-cut cantaloupes unless you're certain they don't originate from the Malichita or Rudy brands. This includes melon cubes and mixed fruit salads from restaurants and grocery stores.
Individuals who have returned Romanian cantaloupes to their homes should dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase. Thoroughly wash all items or surfaces that have come into contact with the contaminated fruits using hot soapwater. A dishwasher also helps eliminate bacteria.
The CDC urges manufacturers to refrain from selling contaminated produce and to sanitize and disinfect items that may have come into contact with contaminated fruits.
Salmonella bacteria are capable of causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms usually appear between six hours and six days after ingestion of the pathogen.
Those who believe they have consumed contaminated fruit and develop a fever above 102 degrees, persistent diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or dehydration should seek prompt medical attention.
Subscribe to the weekly CNN Health Newsletter
Anyone can become infected with Salmonella, although certain individuals are more susceptible to severe symptoms, including elderly adults, pregnant women, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Salmonella infections are quite common. The CDC estimates that each year, Salmonella bacteria cause around 1.35 million infections and 26,500 hospitalizations in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foodborne Salmonella infections incur annual costs of $4.1 billion in the United States.
The CDC, US Food and Drug Administration, and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to investigate the outbreak to determine if other melon or fruit products may be contaminated.
Source:
Background Information
Whilst the current Salmonella outbreak's latest updates are not directly mentioned in the sources provided, looking at recent outbreaks and recalls related to Salmonella can provide valuable context:
- Recent Salmonella Outbreaks:
- Italian Pastries: A multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries manufactured in Italy and exported to the U.S. by Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada, has been reported. As of January 29, 2025, 18 people in the U.S. and 69 in Canada have been infected, with one hospitalization in the U.S. and 22 hospitalizations in Canada. The recall was initiated on January 21, 2025, and the investigation is ongoing[2].
- Historical Context:
- In 2022, a Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes infected 87 people in 11 states. This outbreak was significant due to the genetic similarity between the Salmonella Muenchen strain in the dried beef and the one causing human illnesses, underscoring the potential for cross-contamination in food production facilities[4].
In conclusion, though there is no recent Salmonella outbreak update linked specifically to cantaloupe products, current food safety concerns and recent outbreaks, like the one with Italian pastries, highlight the ongoing issue of foodborne illnesses.
