Salmonella cases double again in outbreak linked to cantaloupes

The number of salmonella cases has doubled again in a multi-state outbreak linked to cantaloupes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday.

There is now a total of 230 people with confirmed infections and three dead since August. Eight cases have been reported in Ohio so far.

Recalls connected to the outbreak include Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, as well as the following pre-cut fruit products:

■ Kwik Trip cantaloupe cups, mixed fruit cups and fruit tray with sell-by dates from Nov. 4 through Dec. 3.

■ TGD Cuts cantaloupe chunks, mixed fruits and fruit trays with use-by dates from Nov. 2 through Nov. 24.

■ Freshness Guaranteed and Racetrac cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes and fruit mixes with best-by dates from Nov. 7 through Nov. 12.

■ Vinyard cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys and fruit medleys sold in Oklahoma stores from Oct. 30 through Nov. 10.

■ Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit medleys and fruit trays with best-by dates from Oct. 28 through Nov. 8.

■ Cut Fruit Express cantaloupe chunks, melon mixes and fruit mixes with use-by dates from Nov. 4 through Nov. 6.

■ Aldi whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks and pineapple spears with best-by dates from Oct. 27 through Oct. 31.

■ Bix Produce cantaloupe fruit cups and mixed fruit cups with sell-by dates of Oct. 25 and Oct. 26.

All of the cantaloupe recalls are listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recall website.

The CDC said that it is concerned about this outbreak because more than half of the illnesses have resulted in hospitalization.

In addition, the CDC said it is worried because 24 people in long-term care facilities and 23 children who were attending childcare facilities have gotten sick. The CDC advised facilities that care for people at a higher risk of severe salmonella infections to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated.

Do not eat any of the recalled cantaloupes and fruit products. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, then wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled fruit with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Most people who are infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, usually starting six hours to sisx days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days, but people with weaker immune systems, children under 5 years old, older adults and people taking certain medications may experience more severe illnesses and need medical treatment.

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JONATHAN POET / AP Cut cantaloupe at a store in Philadelphia, on Dec. 3. On Thursday, U.S. and Canadian officials reported additional deaths in a salmonella outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupe. CDC officials said more than half of related illnesses resulted in hospitalization.