Pre-cut cantaloupe sold at Kroger and Walmart stores has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio that has sickened at least 60 people. Walmart and Kroger have removed the melon form their stores, but health officials urge consumers not to eat any melon they have already purchased from these stores including cantaloupe in fruit salad mixes. The advisory includes pre-cut melon from Walmart stores in all five states and pre-cut melon from Kroger, Jay C, or Pay-Less stores in Indiana and Michigan.
The outbreak strain Salmonella Adelaide has sickened 31 people in Michigan.Monroe and Lenawee are among the counties reporting cases. Eleven cases were reported in Indiana, ten in Missouri, six in Illinois and one in Ohio. Thirty-one people became so sick they needed to be hospitalized. The case-patients, who range in age from less than 1 to 97 years old, report onset of illness dates ranging from April 30, 2018 to May 28, 2018.
The six Illinois cases were reported from all around the states. All of the case-patients, who range in age from 23 to 87, purchased the melon that made them sick from Walmart stores. IDPH says Walmart has removed the pre-cut melons linked to this outbreak from their stores but cautions that as the investigation progresses other grocery stores may be added.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to identify a common supplier of the pre-cut melon.
“If you have recently purchased pre-cut melon from Walmart, throw it out. If you have recently eaten pre-cut melon from a Walmart store and experience diarrhea, fever, and cramps, contact your health care provider,” said Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.
What to Know About Salmonella Infection
- Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours of exposure.
- Symptoms usually last four to seven days.
- Children, elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at highest risk.
The Bad Bug Law Team at Pritzker Hageman represents clients nationwide who have been sickened by contaminated food. Contact a Salmonella lawyer for a free consultation. 