Death Of 2 Minnesotans Linked To Cantaloupe-Salmonella Outbreak

MINNESOTA — The death of two Minnesotans has been linked to a recent salmonella outbreak potentially spreading in cantaloupe, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Minnesota has 13 cases of salmonella linked to the outbreak, the highest number of reported cases of any state. At least 99 cases have been reported since the CDC began investigating on Nov. 17. There have also been 45 hospitalizations, with both reported deaths occurring in Minnesota.

The outbreak has reached at least 32 states and sparked an onslaught of recalls spanning multiple companies.

As of Monday, the following recalls have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration:

Whole cantaloupes

• Look for a sticker that says "Malichita" or "Rudy," with the number "4050" and "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique"
• See the Trufresh recall and Crown Jewels recall for more details

Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes

• Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys
• Sold in Oklahoma stores between Oct. 30 and Nov. 10
• Look for a yellow label with "Vinyard," and some have a red label with "Fresh"
• See the recall notice for more details

ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit items

• Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging
• Best-by dates between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31
• Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin
• See the recall notice for more details

Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes

• Includes cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blends, melon mixes, and fruit mixes
• Packed in clear square or round plastic containers
• Best-by dates between Nov. 7 to Nov. 12
• Sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
• See the recall notice for more details

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatl infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain.

In rare cases, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses such as aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The CDC has issued the following recommendations for consumers:

• 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 degrees
  • 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

See more details about the outbreak overall at the CDC website.