Cantaloupes recalled due to Salmonella outbreak

A rare strain of Salmonella has been linked to imported cantaloupes.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said the outbreak has been linked to cantaloupes under the “Malichita” label, and that the fruit should be disposed of and not consumed.

The affected cantaloupes were sold in B.C. between Oct. 11 and Nov. 14.

The bacterial strain identified in the cantaloupes was Salmonella Soahanina, and the BCCDC said the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were investigating the outbreak.

As of Thursday, Nov. 16, eight confirmed cases of Salmonella had been linked to the tainted melons. Those cases were located in the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser and Island Health regions.

Symptoms associated with a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal crams. These symptoms typically develop six to 72 hours after consumption and last between four and seven days.

Most people do not need antibiotics and recover from Salmonella infections without treatment. However, children under the age of five, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Anyone experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms, as well as people who are immunocompromised and consumed the cantaloupe, are advised to contact their health care provider, consult HealthLinkBC or call 8-1-1.