More patients have been identified in the Salmonella outbreak traced to cantaloupe. The outbreak is now spread across 42 states. Mexican officials have closed the implicated cantaloupe operation.
Since the most recent update, on Dec. 7, another 72 patients have been confirmed, bringing the total number of sick people to 302. In a related outbreak in Canada there are 153 sick people and six deaths.
Of 263 people interviewed so far in the United States, half have been hospitalized. Four people have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak strains of Salmonella are particularly virulent as the pathogen generally does not cause such a high percentage of hospitalizations.
Mexico’s government said Friday it temporarily closed a cantaloupe processing plant while investigating the source of Salmonella contamination, according to Thompson Reuters news service.
Mexican health officials said they ordered the temporary suspension of activities at the plant in the northern state of Sonora after two visits, in which they took samples from surfaces and water which are pending results.
The patient count in the United States continues to rise even though cantaloupe recalls covered fruit that is past its expiration date. There is some concern that consumers may have frozen recalled cantaloupe for future use. The CDC is urging people to avoid eating pre-cut cantaloupe.
Confirmed outbreak patients started becoming sick on Oct. 16, with the most recent patient confirmed becoming ill on Nov. 28.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” according to the CDC.
At least 40 patients resided at long-term care facilities when they got sick. Of 17 interviewed, 11 reported eating cantaloupe. Thirty children attended childcare centers when they got sick. Of 26 children with information available, 17 ate cantaloupe.
Several recalls have been initiated. They include whole cantaloupe and various pre-cut products, some with cantaloupe mixed with other fruits.
Canadian outbreak
A related outbreak in Canada involving cantaloupe from the same supplier in Mexico. Recalls there also include pre-cut products.
As of Dec. 15, there have been 153 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall, and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Of the patients with the information available, 53 have been hospitalized. Six patients have died.
For more information: foodsafetynews.com