Two Deaths in Minnesota Blamed on Expanding Salmonella Outbreak
Washington, DC (KROC-AM News) - Two deaths in Minnesota have been linked to an expanding salmonella outbreak involving cantaloupes and other pre-cut fruit products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a news release Friday indicating health officials in Minnesota had reported the deaths, along with eight additional illnesses associated with the consumption of the cantaloupe and fruit. The total number of illnesses in Minnesota now stands at 13.
Nationwide, the number of people sickened after eating the products has risen to 99 across 32 states. 45 people have required hospitalization. That's 28 higher than the count reported on November 17 when a nationwide recall of the cantaloupes was announced. Canadian health officials are also investigating an outbreak of illness caused by the same strain of salmonella bacteria associated with cantaloupes.
The original recall covered fresh cantaloupes sold under the Trufresh brand carrying the "Malichita" label. According to the CDC, the recall has now been expanded to include whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and fruit distributed under the Rudy brand, along with Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes.
What You Should Do:
Do not eat any recalled cantaloupes and other fruit products. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled fruit using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
