INDIANA HEALTH OFFICIALS ASSIST WITH INVESTIGATION INTO MULTI-STATE SALMONELLA OUTBREAK

Outbreak of salmonellosis has been linked to cut melons

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis that has been linked to cut melons. The outbreak has sickened 60 people in five states, including 11 Hoosiers. 

The CDC has indicated that pre-cut melon supplied by Caito Foods of Indianapolis is a likely source of the outbreak. Caito Foods on Friday voluntarily recalled fresh-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and fresh-cut mixed fruit containing one of these melons that were produced at its Indianapolis facility. The recall notice can be found at https://bit.ly/2xWdkzx. 

Products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed to Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Walgreens, Whole Foods and other stores in Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. A complete list of stores is available athttps://bit.ly/2M6CWNr. 

Consumers who purchased pre-cut melon from these stores should not eat the products and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The CDC advises individuals who are unsure where they purchased a pre-cut melon product to discard it. While the current guidance applies only to pre-cut melons and not whole melons, Hoosiers should always wash whole melons before cutting them to reduce the risk of illness. 

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through exposure to undercooked animal-based foods, such as poultry and eggs, and contact with feces from an infected animal or person. Symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramps and typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. 

In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In such cases, the salmonella infection may spread to the bloodstream and to other body sites, leading to a life-threatening infection that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe illness. 

Individuals who have consumed pre-cut melon and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact a healthcare provider. 

This is an ongoing investigation, and guidance could change as more information is gathered. Visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/adelaide-06-18/index.html for updates.