In the United States, health officials have issued a warning regarding certain whole and pre-cut cantaloupes as well as pre-cut fruit products. These products are linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning that has affected at least 43 individuals in 15 states, with 17 of them requiring hospitalization. This outbreak has led to the recall of several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit, including Malichita, Vinyard, and ALDI.

Consumers are advised to dispose of any of these products if they have them at home, as the recalled products were sold between October 16 and November 10. Investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated. Canadian officials are conducting their own investigation into an outbreak involving the same strain of salmonella, which was detected in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupe.

It is likely that the number of people affected by this outbreak is higher than reported, and it may not be limited to states with known illnesses. Cases of salmonella infection typically take three to four weeks to be confirmed. Most people infected with salmonella develop symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food. These illnesses usually last for four to seven days. Vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe symptoms that require medical attention.

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