PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Arizona has recorded the highest number of salmonella cases in connection with a nationwide recall of cantaloupes. Amid ongoing investigations by federal and state agencies, seven individuals in Arizona have reportedly become ill.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised against the consumption, sale, or serving of recently recalled cantaloupe products. Some of these recalled items were available for purchase at retail outlets in Arizona.

Arizona reports cases linked to cantaloupe recall

The FDA and CDC are currently probing a salmonella outbreak that has reportedly affected at least 43 individuals across 15 states, leading to the hospitalization of 17 people, as announced by the agency on Friday.

Arizona has the highest number of reported cases, with seven individuals falling ill as of Friday, based on CDC data. The number of these individuals who required hospitalization remains undisclosed, per News Break.

In an effort to trace the source of the outbreak, state and local public health officials conducted interviews about the dietary habits of the affected individuals in the week preceding their illness. Out of the 29 individuals interviewed, 15 reported consuming cantaloupe, as per the CDC’s findings.

Three brands, which distribute their products across multiple states in the US and Canada, have recently issued recalls for fresh cantaloupe and pineapple products due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Sofia Produce LLC, operating under the name Trufresh, recalled all sizes of fresh cantaloupe labeled “Malichita” on November 15. These fruits were sold between October 16-23.

Aldi has announced a recall of cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears packaged in clamshells, with best-by dates ranging from October 27-31.

Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company voluntarily recalled all fresh-cut cantaloupe products last week.

The recall includes cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupes.

Most of these products bear a “Vinyard” label, while some have a “Fresh” label. These products were distributed in Oklahoma from October 30 to November 10.

According to the FDA, the recalled products were sold at retail stores in several states including Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, and also in Canada.

The FDA has cautioned that this list may not be exhaustive, as the recalled fruit products could have been further distributed to consumers.

CDC warning on Salmonella outbreak

According to CDC data, the earliest case linked to the outbreak was reported on October 17, with only one case recorded. In the following days, the daily case count fluctuated between one and two.

A surge in cases was observed from October 24 to November 1, with daily case numbers ranging from one to seven. The highest number of cases reported in a single day was seven, which occurred on both October 24 and October 25.

The date of the first documented case in Arizona remains unknown.

The CDC has noted that recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the typical three to four-week timeframe required to determine if an individual’s illness is part of an outbreak.

They further stated that the actual number of people affected by this outbreak is likely much higher than reported. This is because many individuals recover without seeking medical care and therefore may not have been tested for Salmonella.

What is Salmonella?

According to the FDA, Salmonella is an organism that can lead to severe and occasionally life-threatening infections, particularly in children under the age of 5, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella?

Typically, individuals become ill within 12 to 72 hours after consuming food contaminated with Salmonella.

The symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In more severe cases, individuals may experience high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, and the presence of blood in the urine or stool.

The duration of the illness usually ranges from four to seven days, and most individuals recover without requiring medical treatment.

As per FSN, elderly individuals, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, are at a higher risk of developing severe illnesses and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Interestingly, some individuals may become infected without exhibiting any symptoms. However, they can still transmit the infection to others.