The Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting another death from a salmonella outbreak involving cantaloupes, bringing the total to seven deaths across the country.
The agency says there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella linked to “Malichita” and “Rudy” brand cantaloupes in eight provinces so far.
Quebec was the hardest hit province, with 111 confirmed cases of infections. Illnesses have also been recorded in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The majority of people who have fallen ill are children aged five or younger (36%) or adults aged 65 or older (45%). The agency says 61 people were hospitalized.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds that if people have fresh or frozen cantaloupe at home and they do not know exactly what brand the fruit is, they should throw it away and then wash their hands.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first issued recall warnings on 1er november.
The “Malichita” and “Rudy” brand cantaloupes affected by the recall were sold between October 10 and November 24.
The food inspection agency also recalled other fruits like honeydew melon, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit trays that were processed near the recalled cantaloupes.
Symptoms of Salmonella may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal cramps. They usually start six to 72 hours after consuming food contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Most people usually recover within a week.
The public health agency says people infected with salmonella can transmit the disease and should not prepare food for other people.
The Canadian Press’ health content receives funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.