The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on April 24 that the number of cases of Salmonella Carrau linked to pre-cut fresh fruit has spiked to 117 in 10 states, including Iowa.

Pre-cut fruit in Salmonella investigation

A recall of pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and fruit medley products containing any of these melons was issued by Caito Foods, the Indianapolis-based company that supplied the fruit.

Iowa was added to the list of states with confirmed cases after the initial outbreak announcement by the CDC and FDA on April 12. Product information and stores that distributed the suspect fruit are listed in this first notice.

People should not eat these pre-cut melon products packaged in clear, plastic containers and distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The CDC also asks consumers in these states who have purchased pre-cut melon products, but cannot determine if they were produced by Caito Foods, to throw them out.

Most people with illnesses linked to this outbreak are adults over the age of 50. Thirty-two patients have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. The illness typically lasts four to seven days. Most recover without treatment; however, some cases may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.

Children younger than five, adults older than 65, as well as those with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.