In a press release issued Friday evening, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says 14 cases have been identified so far, including eight in Quebec. The others are in British Columbia and Ontario.
However, the number could rise as other possible cases are currently being investigated.
Based on the investigation conducted, it appears that the outbreak was caused by Malichita brand melons, as several sick people reported that they had eaten melons before their symptoms appeared, the federal agency said.
As a result, all Malichita brand melons sold between October 11 and November 14 were recalled in most provinces and territories in the country.
“To prevent illness, avoid eating, serving, using, selling or distributing Malichita brand melons or other products containing them. If you cannot check the brand of the melon, it is recommended to throw it away,” the PHAC press release said.
Salmonellosis, an infection caused primarily by eating food contaminated with salmonella bacteria, can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches and abdominal cramps.
“Most people who get salmonellosis recover fully within a few days without treatment, but some people can develop severe salmonellosis and require hospitalization,” PHAC added.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis linked to melons.
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