2023-12-23 01:52:46
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is reporting another death due to a salmonellosis outbreak involving cantaloupes, bringing the total to seven deaths across the country.
The agency says there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes so far in eight provinces.
Quebec was the hardest hit province, with 111 confirmed cases of infections. Ontario follows with 21 cases, then British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.
The majority of people who have fallen ill are adults aged 65 or older or children aged five or younger.
According to the agency, 61 people were hospitalized as of December 22.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds that if people have fresh or frozen cantaloupe at home and they do not know exactly what brand the fruit is, they should throw it away and then wash their hands.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first issued recall warnings on November 1.
The Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes affected by the recall were sold between October 10 and November 24.
The food inspection agency also recalled other fruits like honeydew melon, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit trays that were processed near the recalled cantaloupes.
Symptoms of salmonellosis may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal cramps. They usually begin six to 72 hours following consuming food contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Most people usually recover within a week.
The public health agency says infected people can transmit the disease and should not prepare food for others.
The United States is also investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis associated with cantaloupes. These cases have the same genetic strain as cases reported in Canada.
With information from The Canadian Press
1703343646
#Contaminated #cantaloupes #salmonellosis #outbreak #kills #seventh
