2 Minnesotans Dead After Consuming Contaminated Cantaloupe

Minnesota is being hit hard with an outbreak of contaminated cantaloupe that has killed 2 in the state and made many others sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the cantaloupe is contaminated with Salmonella and is asking the public to look for and throw away any whole cantaloupe with a label that says “Malichita” or “Rudy”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”.

The tainted cantaloupe is also being discovered in cut cantaloupe and products made from recalled whole cantaloupes, these include:

• Vinyard cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupe.
• ALDI branded cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31.
• Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks; and RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers at select retail stores

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"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher."

If you find any of these cantaloupes in your kitchen the CDC and FDA say to immediately throw it away or return it to the retailer. It is also recommended that you clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come in contact with the contaminated fruit, and to call your health care provider.

According to the University of Minnesota, there are "99 infections in 32 states. Minnesota has recorded the most cases, 13, followed by Missouri (9), Ohio and Wisconsin (8 each), and Arizona (7). Minnesota has also confirmed the only 2 deaths associated with the outbreak."

The CDC says that Salmonella illness generally happens within 12-72 hours after consuming contaminated food and one can expect to be sick for 4-7 days. Symptoms to look for include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

The agency says, "The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak."