One individual dead and 17 people have been hospitalized in a salmonella outburst connected to cantaloupes, according to an updated report from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Overall, there have been 63 reported infections of the illness across the country.
On Friday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) included Rudy brand cantaloupes to the list of crop earlier recognized in salmonella outbreak.
CFIA had dispensed food recall notices on Nov. 1, 14 and 17 for the Malichita brand cantaloupes retailed between Oct. 11 and Nov 14. The Friday update comprised Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between Oct. 10 and Nov. 24.
Twelve of the infections were identified in Ontario, while the main reported number for a province is 35 in Quebec, according to PHAC. British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have also had salmonella contaminations.
The described infections triggered people to feel sick between mid-October and mid-November, PHAC said.
According to PHAC, indications are being observed 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. The indications are recognized to last for 4 to 7 days and can comprise of fever, nausea, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and stomach cramps.
Those sick with the salmonella bacteria can spread it to other individuals up to several weeks after infection, even if they do not demonstrate symptoms themselves. PHAC informs that salmonella can transfer by person-to-person interaction and infected surfaces.
PHAC notes that most people who become ill after being infected with salmonella bacteria recover completely in a few days without treatment. Nevertheless, the infection can also cause severe sickness and hospitalization.
young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with deteriorated immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness.
PHAC has directed against serving, eating or selling Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe and any products made with it or other recalled produce. If individuals have any recalled food or food using those at home, individuals should toss them out and wash hands after interaction.
PHAC also proposes throwing out cantaloupes that individuals may not be able to authorize whether they are Malichita or Rudy brands. Individuals are also recommended to clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have come in interaction with the recalled produce.
If someone has been lately diagnosed with a salmonella infection or any other stomach illness, they should not cook food for others.
