Washington State Department of Health is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate multiple cases of Salmonella that are likely linked to consuming contaminated cantaloupe. This is linked to a nationwide cantaloupe outbreak involving 34 states, including Washington. The CDC is concerned about this outbreak because the illnesses are severe and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick.
Advice
Consumers
- Do not eat any recalled cantaloupes and other recalled fruit products.
- Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you do not know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. This includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores. If you have any of these items, throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
- If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat it or use it.
- Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces that may have touched the recalled fruit products.
- Those who have eaten the recalled products and feel ill should consult their health care provider.
Long-Term Care Facilities, Childcare Centers and Hospitals
Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from Salmonella. The CDC advises facilities that care for people at higher risk to take special care not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated:
- Do not use recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupes.
- Do not serve cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if you do not know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.
Retailers
Retailers should not sell or serve recalled cantaloupe and other recalled fruit products. Retailers should wash and sanitize containers and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled fruit products.
Outbreak-specific Resources
In Washington
Quick Facts
- Cases: 4
- Hospitalizations: 2
- Status: Outbreak is over
- Recall: Multiple brands of whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products
About Salmonella
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that is often spread through the fecal-oral route, through contaminated food and water, or through contact with animals and their environments. Symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, and abdominal cramping. Illness typically lasts several days, and people can spread infection to others even after symptoms resolve.
How to Prevent Salmonella Infection
- Wash hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals, and before eating or preparing food.
- Cook all meats thoroughly, especially poultry.
- Wash cutting boards and counters used for meat or poultry preparation immediately after use to avoid cross contaminating other foods.
More Resources
To report a suspected foodborne illness or file a complaint about unsafe food handling practices at a restaurant, contact your local health department.