There’s been an unfortunate spike in the number of people sick from a Salmonella outbreak traced back to cantaloupe in Canada. Topping 164 laboratory confirmed patients, up from the last report on Dec. 7th, the Public Health Agency of Canada has stated one more person has passed away, bringing the death total to seven.
This outbreak can be linked to a similar outbreak in the United States, where 302 individuals have fallen ill and four have died.
This outbreak has affected people in Canada and the United States between mid-October and mid-December. Health investigators are still on the search for more victims, showing no end in sight.
Very young children and older adults have been the most affected in both countries. In Canada, 36 percent of victims are children five or younger, and 45 percent are 65 or older.
Recalls have been put in place in both countries, with a focus on Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes from Mexico. Attempts to protect the public include recalls of freshcut cantaloupe products from the same brand, including various mixed fruit products that contain cantaloupe.
The list for the cantaloupe products recalled in the United States can be found here.
Recalled Canadian cantaloupe products can be found here by scrolling down below the individual recall.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria doesn’t show signs of spoilage. Anyone is susceptible to getting sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe illness. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12-72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing severe illness and serious, sometimes fatal conditions.
People should seek medical attention if they’ve eaten cantaloupe and developed symptoms of a Salmonella infection.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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