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Salmonella cases in Wisconsin linked to cantaloupe

MADISON — Illnesses in at least two people in Wisconsin are part of an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections associated with cantaloupe likely from southwestern Indiana, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Consumers should not eat cantaloupe from southwestern Indiana, and are advised to check the sticker on the fruit for the place of origin or contact the grocery store where they bought the fruit to ask where it was grown.

DATCP is collaborating with Wisconsin Department of Heath and public health officials in affected states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the ongoing outbreak, including tracing the source of the affected melons and shipments of melons that may be contaminated.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Anyone who believes they may have become ill with Salmonella should contact their doctor.

Based on available information, consumers can continue to purchase and eat cantaloupes not originating from southwestern Indiana.

Consumers should still take precautions and follow sanitation guidelines when handling melons, including thoroughly washing, rinsing and sanitizing cutting boards, knives, and other equipment. Cleaning the rough, outer skin of the melon with a vegetable brush and keeping the cut melon refrigerated are also important.

For more information on Salmonella outbreaks, see http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks.html