Our lawyers are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu linked to yellow Maradol papayas. To date the CDC is reporting 47 cases in 12 states:
Iowa (1), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Maryland (5), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), New Jersey (12), New York (13), Pennsylvania (4), Texas (1), Utah (1), and Virginia (6).
We believe this outbreak will grow. If you know or suspect that you are part of this outbreak, you can contact our law firm for a free consultation with a Salmonella lawyer on our team. You will not have to pay anything unless we win you money.
Evidence Points to Maradol Papayas as the Source
Genetic testing was done on cells of Salmonella Kiambu obtained from the 47 people sickened in the outbreak. These cells had similar genetic “fingerprints”, which means that the people in this outbreak were most likely sickened by the same source.
In addition, the Maryland Department of Health tested papayas taken from a Baltimore grocery store. It found the outbreak strain of Salmonella Kiambu in a sample from a Caribeña-brand Maradol papaya. This is substantial evidence that Maradol papayas are the source of the outbreak.
The Salmonella Kiambu Outbreak Started in May
People sickened in the Salmonella Kiambu outbreak started getting sick on May 17, 2017, and the last reported illness started on June 28, 2017. At least one baby was sickened, and several elderly people, including a 95-year-old person. The median age of those sickened was 27. Many of the people sickened are of Hispanic ethnicity, according to the CDC.
A Papaya Recall Has Not Been Issued
To date, a Maradol papaya recall has not been officially issued. However, the CDC has stated that it “recommends that consumers not eat, restaurants not serve, and retailers not sell yellow Maradol papayas” until more is known. Investigators are working on finding out exactly when, where and how the papayas were contaminated. In these kinds of cases, there may be more than one company legally responsible.