OTTAWA –
Five people have died in a salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita and Rudy brand melons sold in six provinces.
The Public Health Agency of Canada It said 129 people have been confirmed to be infected with salmonella in connection with the outbreak, almost double the number at the last update on December 1, when a single death was recorded.
The agency did not provide details on deaths in its latest update on Thursday, but cases have risen sharply in Quebec, with 91 confirmed infections compared to 35 last week.
There are also 17 cases in Ontario, 15 in British Columbia and two each in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to the agency, 45 percent of those affected were 65 and older, while more than a third were children under five.
It says people fell ill and 44 were hospitalized between mid-October and mid-November. In addition, other salmonella infections are being investigated.
“People infected with salmonella bacteria can transmit salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after infection, even if they have no symptoms,” the update says.
Consumers are warned not to buy, eat or sell Malichita or Rudy brand melons. The agency says any fruit brands that cannot be verified should be thrown away.
In November, food recall warnings were issued three times for Malichita melons sold between October 11 and November 14.
On November 24th, the alert was updated to include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10th and November 24th.
Three people have died from tainted melons in the United States as health authorities investigate whether other products are linked to the outbreak that has sickened at least 230 people in 38 states.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 7, 2023.
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