62 People Sickened By Salmonella-Tainted Papayas

Rhode Island residents are urged to avoid buying or eating papayas from Mexico after more than five dozen people became ill over several months, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Friday. The fresh, whole papayas, contaminated with salmonella, have been sold in eight states including Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

62 people have become ill between January 14 and June 8, the department said, with most cases happening since April. 23 people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. So far, only one case has been reported in Rhode Island.

Anyone with papayas from Mexico, or from an unknown country of origin, should throw them away immediately, even if you have already eaten some without getting sick. Wash or sanitize the area where the fruit was stored, including refrigerator shelves and/or countertops. If you feel ill after eating fresh papaya, contact your doctor right away.