A nationwide outbreak of food poisoning from contaminated fruit has now killed two people and hospitalized dozens.
Health officials have warned that the number of salmonella infections linked to melons and pre-cut fruit has doubled in the past week.
In total, 99 people were infected and 45 hospitalized in 32 states, while two deaths were recorded in Minnesota.
Affected products include melons from Vinyard, ALDI, Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac, as well as several pre-cut food jars.
A nationwide outbreak of food poisoning from contaminated fruit has now killed two people and hospitalized dozens (Stock)
They were sold in stores across the country between mid-October and mid-November.
The public is asked to throw the items away or return them for a refund.
People should also wash other fruits and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated produce.
Customers should contact their doctor if they experience diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, fever, bloody stools, or vomiting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the new cases in a new health alert issued Friday, but did not provide details about the patients
The agency interviewed sick people and analyzed test samples to confirm that the patients were sick from the same strain as fruit.
The CDC said the actual number of people sickened is “likely much higher.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 99 people were infected and 45 hospitalized in 32 states, while two deaths were recorded in Minnesota.
People with previous illnesses, weakened immune systems, children under 12 months and older people are particularly susceptible to serious illness after a salmonella infection.
The bacterial infection affects more than 1.3 million people in the United States annually and leads to 26,500 hospitalizations 420 deaths per year.
Symptoms of infection usually appear within 12 hours to three days of consuming contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
In rare cases, a salmonella infection can cause the pathogen to enter the bloodstream and cause more serious conditions such as artery infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valve) and arthritis.
The CDC said the contaminated whole melons may have a sticker that reads “Malichita,” “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”
Some pre-cut versions have a yellow label with “Vinyard” and others have a red label with “Fresh.”
Melon pieces in folding packaging and pineapple sticks in folding packaging from ALDI were also affected.
Meanwhile, Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brand melon chunks, seasonal blends, melon blends and fruit blends were sold in clear square or round plastic containers.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
