Editor's note: This story was updated on December 11, 2023.
November 27, 2023 – Three people have died amid 230 confirmed cases of salmonella infections linked to melons, in keeping with the CDC and Canadian health authorities.
Two deaths occurred in Minnesota and a 3rd in Oregon. The 230 reported U.S. cases span 38 states. Another person died Canadawhere laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella related to contaminated melons have up to now occurred in 129 people.
Both whole and pre-cut melon products sold at multiple retailers under multiple brand names have been recalled. The Melon remembers The CDC currently lists the next:
- Whole melons which will have a sticker that claims “Malichita” or “Rudy” in addition to the number “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”
- Some Vineyard Brand of pre-cut cantaloupe, cantaloupe and fruit mixes sold in Oklahoma.
- Some ALDI whole melon and pre-cut fruit products equivalent to pineapple sticks that were sold in certain states.
- Some Freshness guaranteed RaceTrac brand and pre-cut melons, including melon and fruit blends, are sold in certain states.
Recalled products needs to be thrown away or returned to where they were purchased, the CDC advises. Surfaces and items which will have come into contact with the recalled items needs to be washed with hot, soapy water or within the dishwasher.
The CDC also says that individuals who’ve any of the next severe symptoms of salmonella should contact a healthcare provider:
- Diarrhea and fever over 102 F
- Diarrhea for greater than 3 days that just isn’t improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting a lot which you can't keep your fluids down
- Signs of dehydration, equivalent to:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
In each the United States and Canada, dozens of individuals have been hospitalized with salmonella infections linked to the outbreak. Most infected people develop symptoms inside 6 hours to six days of exposure. According to the CDC, the cantaloupe salmonella outbreak has up to now affected people ranging in age from toddlers to those as young as 100 years old.
“The actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the reported number, and the outbreak may not be limited to those states with known illnesses. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella,” the CDC said in its latest release Investigation update. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak.”