The cantaloupe fruit has sparked panic in the United States after it was linked to a salmonella outbreak across dozens of states, affecting dozens of people and causing two deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States issued a serious warning, after a wave of salmonella infections affecting at least 117 people across specific groups of whole or cut cantaloupe was reported, according to Forbes Middle East.
The outbreak was connected to cantaloupe, also known as melon, associated with identified distributors, as well as pre-cut fruit products offered by certain retail chains between late October and November, according to the CDC alert. A total of 117 people across 36 states became ill due to the salmonella outbreak, leading to 61 hospitalizations, while two deaths were reported. The outbreak has been reported in most U.S. states, with Minnesota being the hardest hit, reporting 14 cases.
The agency urged facilities serving individuals over the age of 65, children under five, and those with weakened immune systems to avoid serving whole or previously cut cantaloupe if the source of the fruit is unknown. The CDC also warned that washing contaminated fruit does not make it safe to eat and advised companies not to sell or serve the cantaloupe referenced in the general alert.
