Cantaloupe recall: Six Michigan cases tied to salmonella outbreak

• The first in a North American string of salmonella-related illnesses was reported Oct. 16.
• Michigan now has recorded six of those cases in Kent, Oakland, Wayne, Marquette and Kalamazoo
• The victims’ ages range from 2 to 75 years.

At least six people in Kent, Oakland, Wayne, Marquette and Kalamazoo counties have been sickened as part of a larger salmonella outbreak tied to Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, according to Michigan officials.

Across the United States, at least 230 people in 38 states have been sickened by the bacteria tied to fresh cantaloupes since Oct. 16, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The actual number is “likely much higher,” according to the CDC, because it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. 

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Additionally, many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella, a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food or water that can cause dehydration, nausea and even sepsis if it enters the bloodstream.

Salmonella is especially dangerous to those who are older, younger or have compromised immune systems.

At least 96 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have been reported — two from Minnesota and one from Oregon. In Canada, 44 have been hospitalized and five have died in six provinces, including nearby Ontario. 

In Michigan, the reported illnesses were between Oct. 16 and Nov. 20. 

That’s an update from a CDC report published this week, which listed just two Michigan cases. Those who were sickened ranged in age from 2 years old to 75 years old, according to Chelsea Wuth, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which is working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to track the cases.

As the outbreak has spread and recalls have expanded over the past weeks, grocer, ALDI, and convenience chain Kwik Trip in Michigan have recalled some cantaloupe products.

Health officials recommend anyone with the following severe salmonella symptoms call a health care provider:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• Inability to keep liquids down because of frequent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urinating much, dry mouth and throat and dizziness