A salmonella outbreak in Canada has now resulted in six deaths and over 150 who became seriously ill throughout eight provinces.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) first detected the salmonella in some Malichita brand cantaloupes on November 1st and issued a recall.
Soon after this, it was also discovered that many Rudy brand cantaloupes were also infected with the disease.
In the most recent update from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on December 15th, it was determined that six people have now lost their lives due to the salmonella outbreak and 150 have become seriously ill.
“The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger, or adults 65 years of age or older,” said PHAC in their latest statement.
“Many cases also report residing in a long-term care home, retirement residence, assisted living facility or attending daycare.”
Quebec has dealt with the brunt of the salmonella, having 103 confirmed cases in the province.
British Columbia has had 17 confirmed cases of salmonella due to the cantaloupe outbreak, with at least seven of those cases being linked to Vancouver Island.
See related:
- Six people hospitalized across Canada after consuming Malichita cantaloupes
- BC-wide Salmonella outbreak from infected cantaloupes results in one Canadian death
Symptoms of salmonella typically begin between six to 72 hours after exposure and usually last for four to seven days, according to PHAC.
Salmonella symptoms may include: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and/or abdominal cramps.
“People who are infected with salmonella bacteria can spread salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don’t have symptoms,” warns PHAC.
“Salmonella can spread by person to person contact and contaminated surfaces. Most people who become ill from a salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization.”
PHAC has also issued an advisory urging the public to cease the consumption, serving, sale or distribution of Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any recalled produce or any cantaloupe/melon whose brand cannot be identified.
