Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe reaches California

Two brands are now recalling cantaloupes sold in California due to potential salmonella contamination as an outbreak spreads across the U.S.

Salmonella cases potentially caused by cantaloupes have been reported across 32 states and Canada, including one case in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 99 cases reported, 45 people have been hospitalized, and two have died.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, which can last from four days to several weeks, according to the CDC. Symptoms typically develop between six hours to six days after infection. Some cases can develop into severe infections that can turn deadly, the CDC warns.

Health officials have received reports ranging from infants to the elderly. Severe infections are most common among infants, adults aged 65 and older and people with a weakened immune system, according to the CDC.

Several brands have issued recalls of both whole and cut cantaloupes they believe could be contaminated with salmonella, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The only recalled products sold in California so far have been whole fruits, though the investigation into the sources of the outbreak is ongoing, according to the FDA.

Cantaloupes with the labels “Malichita” or “Rudy” sold in California between Oct. 10 and Nov. 3 have been recalled due to potential contamination. So have cantaloupes labeled “Malichita/X Farms” sold between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9.

Consumers should return recalled products to the place where they bought them and should not eat them, according to the FDA.

There are about 1.35 million salmonella infections and about 420 salmonella-related deaths in the U.S. every year, according to the CDC.