20 November 2023 , 14:59
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Salmonella-infected cantaloupes have left dozens of people sick and many hospitalised following a contamination outbreak in the US.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 43 people in 15 states have been infected in the salmonella outbreak including 17 who were left needing hospital treatment. It comes after several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit have been recalled in the past week amid fears they were possibly contaminated.
It includes the Malichita brand which sold whole cantaloupes between October 16 and October 23, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe sold between October 30 and November 10 and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products with best-by dates between October 27 and October 31.
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Salmonella has led to dozens of people in hospital (Getty Images)Canadian officials also investigating an outbreak involving the same strain of salmonella discovered in Malichita brand cantaloupe. Customers have been urged to throw away the fruit, with officials working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.
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It is thought the number of people struck down by salmonella is much higher than the current figures reported so far as symptoms can take days to show. It normally takes between three to four weeks to determine if a case is connected to the outbreak.
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and, stomach cramps. It can take between four and seven days to go. However, in some cases the disease can be fatal especially in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
The recall of the items comes after dog owners were warned to check the labels on dog food amid concerns they were contaminated with salmonella. Three brands of pet food have been recalled in recent weeks after testing positive for the disease.
Mid America Pet Food, Mount Pleasant, Texas, is voluntarily recalling three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula produced at its Mount Pleasant, Texas production facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration.
This voluntary recall was initiated after a third party conducted random sampling and product associated with three lots tested positive for Salmonella. It can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. It is advised if your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, to contact your veterinarian.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.