Cantaloupes infected with salmonella recalled, two ill in Indiana

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Nov. 17 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert regarding cantaloupes sold by the Malichita and Rudy brands that contain a strain of salmonella.

There has since been a full recall issued for the melon with 117 illnesses, 61 hospitalizations, and two deaths reported across 34 states.

Indiana currently has only two people sick with the specific strain of salmonella tied to the cantaloupes, Michigan has one, Illinois has six, and Ohio has eight.

"This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported," the CDC stated. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella."

Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes have been recalled as well as many pre-cut cantaloupe products. New recalls include pre-cut cantaloupe products from Kwik Trip, Bix Produce, and Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s.

The CDC is advising people not to eat pre-cut cantaloupes if they don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand whole cantaloupes were used.

This outbreak is concerning due to illnesses being severe with more than half hospitalized, and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers getting sick.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following severe Salmonella symptoms: Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F , diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down, and dehydration.