SANTA FE - Two New Mexico patients with Salmonella have been identified by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) connected to the ongoing national outbreak involving cantaloupes. Both patients, one from Bernalillo County and one from Doña Ana County, have recovered.
Currently, 38 states have been linked to this outbreak, with 230 people affected, 96 hospitalized, and 3 deaths. Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from Salmonella. In this outbreak nationally, 24 sick people have resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, with sticker number “4050” as seen below:
“Since New Mexico has two people infected with the ongoing nationwide cantaloupe-related Salmonella bacteria outbreak, NMDOH urges the public to check all cantaloupe in your possession, both whole and pre-cut, to make sure your fruit is not among those recalled. If you aren’t sure, throw your cantaloupe away,” said Chad Smelser, M.D., Deputy State Epidemiologist. “By following our guidance, we can prevent further cantaloupe-associated Salmonella infections in our state.”
Do not eat any of the above recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NMDOH advise you to not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know their source.
To help prevent against Salmonella infection, practice proper hand hygiene with soap and water, avoid cross-contamination of food items, and call your healthcare provider if you have any of these Salmonella symptoms:
For more information about Salmonella or this outbreak, including fact sheets, go to the CDC’s website: Salmonella Outbreak. Additionally, you can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 with questions.
Currently, 38 states have been linked to this outbreak, with 230 people affected, 96 hospitalized, and 3 deaths. Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from Salmonella. In this outbreak nationally, 24 sick people have resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, with sticker number “4050” as seen below:
“Since New Mexico has two people infected with the ongoing nationwide cantaloupe-related Salmonella bacteria outbreak, NMDOH urges the public to check all cantaloupe in your possession, both whole and pre-cut, to make sure your fruit is not among those recalled. If you aren’t sure, throw your cantaloupe away,” said Chad Smelser, M.D., Deputy State Epidemiologist. “By following our guidance, we can prevent further cantaloupe-associated Salmonella infections in our state.”
Do not eat any of the above recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NMDOH advise you to not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know their source.
To help prevent against Salmonella infection, practice proper hand hygiene with soap and water, avoid cross-contamination of food items, and call your healthcare provider if you have any of these Salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration
For more information about Salmonella or this outbreak, including fact sheets, go to the CDC’s website: Salmonella Outbreak. Additionally, you can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 with questions.
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