The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Mississippi residents of an increased risk of contracting salmonella following an outbreak strain linked to several brands of cantaloupes.
In less than a week, an additional 18 individuals in two states have reported being infected, resulting in a total case count of 117 people from 34 states.
At this time, only one resident from Mississippi has been impacted by the current recall, which included the Malichita and Ruby brands of whole cantaloupes.
According to the CDC, many pre-cut cantaloupe products from Kwik Trip, Bix Produce, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s have also been recalled within the past few days.
The CDC is advising individuals to not consume pre-cut cantaloupes if they do not know what brand of whole cantaloupes was used.
At this time, more than half of those who have contracted salmonella from the recalled product have had severe illnesses that have resulted in being hospitalized. Of those, 14 resided in long-term care facilities and seven children attended childcare centers before becoming sick.
Facilities that care for people who are at a high risk for severe illnesses are being advised to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated.
