According to the CDC press release, the salmonella infection count per state is as follows:
- Illinois – 6 illnesses
- Indiana – 11 illnesses
- Michigan – 32 illnesses
- Missouri – 10 illnesses
- Ohio – 1 illness
In addition to the states reporting illnesses, affected melons were also sold in Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina.
The products were sold at major retailers including Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart and Whole Foods/Amazon.
Eating food contaminated with salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness whose symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
Most cases of salmonellosis last less than a week, but in some patients diarrhea may be so severe that it requires hospitalization. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly likely to develop severe reactions from the bacteria.
Of the 60 salmonella infections linked to the outbreak, 32 patients had symptoms so severe they required emergency hospitalization.
If you purchased pre-cut melon from Walmart stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri or Ohio, you should not eat it, and either discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Source: CNN