Melons that can be infected with salmonella bacteria have been sold across most of Canada, including in Quebec, where they have already sickened at least eight people.
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced late Friday evening that 14 Canadians – eight Quebecers, three Ontarians and three British Columbians – contracted salmonellosis from eating infected melons, including three who required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported so far.
Previously, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) expanded a recall issued earlier this month for Malichita brand melons. As of now, all melons sold between October 11th and November 14th are affected by the recall.
In addition to Malichata melons, Groupe Tomapure and Fruit Pure cantaloupes sold in hotels and restaurants in Quebec and Ontario have also been recalled due to the salmonellosis risks they pose.
A third recall for the same melon variety involves the Urban Fare and Save on Foods brands, but they are only distributed in the provinces west of Ontario.
More cases will follow
Despite the recalls, the health authority expects that further cases of illness will be reported, as two to four weeks can pass between the time of illness and the time the illness is reported to the authorities.
Last Wednesday, British Columbia announced it was investigating eight cases of salmonellosis that authorities believe were linked to Malichita melons.
Not just in Canada
Health officials south of the border are also concerned about melons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that 43 people in 15 U.S. states have become ill so far, including 17 who required hospitalization.
The causative agent of salmonellosis is particularly insidious because contaminated food has neither suspicious spoilage nor odors.
In most people, the disease causes symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
However, salmonellosis can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.