The Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting another death due to a salmonella outbreak involving cantaloupes, bringing the total number of deaths across the country to seven.
According to the authority, there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella linked to “Malichita” and “Rudy” melons in eight provinces.
Quebec was the hardest-hit province with 111 confirmed cases of infection. Illnesses have also been recorded in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Most sufferers are children aged five or younger (36%) or adults aged 65 and older (45%). According to the agency, 61 people were hospitalized.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds that if people have fresh or frozen melons at home and are unsure of the brand, they should throw them away and then wash their hands.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first issued recall warnings on the 1stum November.
The recalled “Malichita” and “Rudy” melons were sold between October 10 and November 24.
The food inspection agency also recalled other fruits such as honeydew melon, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit plates that were processed close to the recalled melons.
Symptoms of salmonella can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal cramps. They usually begin six to 72 hours after eating food contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Most people usually recover within a week.
The health department says people infected with salmonella can spread the disease and should not prepare food for other people.
The Canadian Press health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial selection.
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