Dozens of people in 15 states in the USA have fallen ill after consuming salmonella-infected cantaloupes, as reported by CNN. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating the matter. According to the report, at least 43 individuals have been hospitalized due to the infection. Salmonella bacteria is known to cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with potentially fatal consequences for children and individuals with weakened immune systems. The outbreak has not been limited to the USA alone, as similar cases have been reported in Canada.

At least 43 people in US & 9 in Canada infected with outbreak of salmonella from cantaloupes. People warned not to eat 3 recalled brands of cantaloupe: Malichita, Save on Foods, Urban Fare. Applies to whole cantaloupes, pre-cut chunks, & morehttps://t.co/5CVNX26vRC

— Kim Goldberg (@KimPigSquash) November 18, 2023

Canadian authorities have discovered salmonella bacteria on cantaloupes imported from Mexico, which are genetically related to the strain affecting people in both countries. As a response to the outbreak, the Malichita brand of whole cantaloupes from Mexico, sold in stores between October 16 and October 23, has been recalled. Additionally, the Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and fruit products sold in Oklahoma between October 30 and November 10 have also been recalled. Public health authorities have advised consumers who have purchased these recalled fruits to throw them away.

The CDC has further recommended that individuals wash and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled fruits. According to the CDC's official website, symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion and last for 4 to 7 days. The CDC estimates that salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States annually, with food being the primary source of these illnesses. In a separate report by the New York Post, it was revealed that at least 43 people in 15 states have been infected by salmonella from cantaloupes included in a recent recall.

Seventeen individuals required hospitalization. Various brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes, as well as pre-cut fruit, have been recalled in the past week due to concerns of contamination. The recall includes Malichita brand whole cantaloupes sold from October 16 to October 23, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe available between October 30 and November 10, and ALDI whole cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit items with best-by dates falling between October 27 and October 31. It is strongly advised that individuals in possession of the recalled fruits dispose of them immediately.

Investigators are actively working to identify any other potentially contaminated cantaloupe products. Canada is also investigating an outbreak involving the same strain of salmonella found in Malichita brand cantaloupes. The actual number of individuals affected in the outbreak is likely higher than reported, and states without documented infections may also be affected. Symptoms of salmonella infection may take several days to appear, and it usually takes three to four weeks to establish a connection between a case and the outbreak. Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with the illness typically lasting between four to seven days. In certain populations, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, salmonella can lead to severe, and occasionally fatal, infections.