The salmonellosis outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupes which has been raging for more than a month in Canada has claimed a seventh victim and sent around sixty people to hospital.
• Read also: Cantaloupes have now claimed six lives in Canada
In its latest update on Friday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported 164 cases of salmonellosis linked to contaminated melons recorded in eight provinces.
Quebec is the most affected province with 111 cases recorded, followed by Ontario and British Columbia with 21 cases and 18 cases respectively.
Elsewhere, laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis were rare, such as Alberta and Nova Scotia, which had 4 cases, while the rest of the Maritimes did not have more than 6 cases.
According to the federal agency, 61 people were hospitalized due to the consumption of this contaminated fruit, while women represent 52% of those affected.
The PHAC recommends that the public in possession of Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes do not consume them and throw them away and wash their hands.
Faced with the sad track record recorded in Quebec in terms of salmonella outbreaks, a class action was filed by the law firm Slater Vecchio LLP.