1 person dead, 63 confirmed cases in salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe

The Public Health Agency of Canada says one person has died following a salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes.

In an update Friday, the agency also says there have been 63 confirmed salmonella cases linked to the outbreak and 17 people hospitalized.

Food recall warnings were issued three times in November for Malichita cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14.

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On November 24, Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24 were added to the warning.

The cantaloupes were distributed across the country, and the agency says confirmed salmonella cases have been identified in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island so far.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes they say have the same genetic strain as the one in Canada.

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U.S. health officials said two people had died and 45 people were hospitalized nationwide due to the outbreak as of Friday.

For further information, including a full list of brands and cantaloupe products affected, visit the Government of Canada’s website here.