Cantaloupes sold in N.B. linked to salmonella outbreak

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Two brands of cantaloupes sold in New Brunswick have been tied to a deadly salmonella outbreak across Canada and the U.S.

One person has died and 17 people have been hospitalized as a result of salmonella infections linked to outbreak strains of the bacteria, according to a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) notice. As of Friday, a total of 63 lab-confirmed infections make up the outbreak so far, with cases reported in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

No cases have been reported so far in New Brunswick, but Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes – believed to be the source of the outbreak – are sold in the province.

Recall notices have been issued for Malichita cantaloupes sold between Oct. 11 and Nov. 14, and for Rudy cantaloupes sold between Oct. 10 and Nov. 24. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) also issued recall notices for all products made with the recalled cantaloupes like fruit trays, as well as other fruit processed with the cantaloupes like watermelons, honeydew and pineapple.

None of these items should be consumed, served, sold or distributed, the CFIA said in the notice. If you can’t verify the cantaloupe brand you’re using, the CFIA recommends you throw the fruit out.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating cases in its jurisdiction of salmonella illnesses linked to the same genetic strain of the bacteria found in the Canadian outbreak.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection usually start six to 72 hours after coming into contact with the bacteria, and can last four to seven days. Symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal cramps, according to PHAC.

Anyone who thinks they’re experiencing symptoms of a salmonella infection should contact their health-care provider.