America | Two people died and 99 others were infected with salmonella... What does cantaloupe have to do with this?

2023-12-19 2023-12-19T11:03:56Z

ArabiaWeather - An outbreak of salmonella infection linked to eating contaminated cantaloupe and cut fruit has led to the death of two people and the infection of at least 99, according to an announcement by the US Centers for Disease Control and Control on Friday.

Salmonella cases were recorded in 32 US states related to this outbreak, 45 people were hospitalized, and health authorities in the state of Minnesota reported two deaths resulting from this outbreak.

In response to this outbreak, additional brands have been added to the recall, including Rudy Whole Cantaloupe, Freshness Guaranteed, RaceTrac Pre-Sliced Cantaloupe, and some fruit products. From Vinyard and Aldi.

In its announcement, the CDC said the cantaloupe involved was labeled “Rudy” or “Malichita,” labeled 4050, and stated as “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”

The centers advise getting rid of these products if they are present in the home, and stress washing any items or surfaces that have come into contact with this fruit with hot water and soap, stressing the importance of the dishwasher in getting rid of bacteria, and urging companies not to sell contaminated fruit and to apply effective cleaning and sterilization procedures. Items in contact with it.

Symptoms of salmonella and methods of transmission

Salmonella is a serious infectious disease that can lead to life-threatening food poisoning. Raw and contaminated foods create an ideal environment for salmonella bacteria to multiply.

Therefore, nutrition experts recommend the importance of cleanliness and following health requirements when preparing food, in order to avoid contracting this dangerous infection.

Modes of transmission of salmonella

Contaminated foods
Mouth and stool

Salmonella symptoms

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning usually appear within 12 to 48 hours after eating contaminated food , as they can be manifested by bouts of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, high temperature, and sometimes they can be accompanied by a headache.

In rare cases, the pathogens can move to other organs, causing complications such as inflammation of the heart valves or meningitis, so it is strongly advised for anyone who feels any suspicion of salmonella poisoning to go to the doctor immediately for consultation and to receive the necessary medical care.

Warnings for groups most vulnerable to salmonella infection

It is best to seek medical care immediately if you feel that you have eaten some of these contaminated fruits, and you suffer from a temperature exceeding 39 degrees Celsius , or from diarrhea that continues for more than three days, or bloody diarrhea, or vomiting that does not stop, or a condition drought.

It is noteworthy that anyone may be infected with salmonella, but some groups are more susceptible to severe symptoms, including:

the elderly
pregnant women
children
Those who suffer from underlying diseases that weaken the immune system

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella infections are common, with the bacteria causing about 1.35 million human infections and resulting in about 265,000 recoveries in the United States annually.

Outbreaks are also costly, with foodborne salmonella infections in the United States estimated to cost $4.1 billion annually, according to the USDA.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that it will continue to investigate to identify any other cantaloupe products or fruit pieces that may be contaminated.