The count of individuals affected by a Salmonella outbreak associated with cantaloupe has doubled since November 30, with an additional fatality reported. As of today, December 7, a total of 230 people in 38 states have been infected. Among those with available information, 96 required hospitalization, and three individuals, two from Minnesota and one from Oregon, have succumbed to the infection. The Salmonella strains involved in the outbreak are notably potent, as Salmonella infections typically do not lead to hospitalization.

The onset of illnesses occurred between October 16 and November 20, with affected individuals spanning from less than 1 to 100 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported, as many people recover without medical intervention and may not be tested for Salmonella. Additionally, recent cases may not yet be included in the official count, as it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to confirm their connection to an outbreak.

For each confirmed patient in a Salmonella outbreak, an estimated 28 unconfirmed cases exist, suggesting that nearly 6,500 individuals could be affected in this outbreak. Public health officials at the state and local levels are actively conducting interviews with patients. Out of 105 individuals interviewed, 78 reported consuming cantaloupe before falling ill. Among them, 42 specifically mentioned consuming pre-cut cantaloupe, while 18 reported eating whole cantaloupe.

Several recalls of whole and pre-cut cantaloupe have been issued, and the FDA maintains an updated list of these recalls. The CDC advises consumers to refrain from consuming pre-cut cantaloupe. Of the patients with available information, 24 reside in long-term facilities, with nine out of 12 interviewed individuals reporting cantaloupe consumption. Additionally, 23 patients, who were children attending childcare centers, were identified, with 13 out of 20 reporting cantaloupe consumption.

Information about this outbreak was initially released on November 17. A parallel outbreak has been reported in Canada, spanning seven provinces. As of December 7, Canada has confirmed 129 cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall, and Oranienburg illnesses linked to this outbreak, with cases reported in British Columbia (15), Ontario (17), Quebec (91), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (2).

Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November. Forty-four individuals have been hospitalized. Five deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between less than 1 to 100 years of age.

The same brand of whole cantaloupe — Malichita — has been recalled in Canada and the United States. The cantaloupe was imported from Mexico.

Marler Clark has been in the lead for all the Cantaloupe Outbreaks Lawsuits over the last decades. Here is a sampling:

• Caito Foods Melon Salmonella Outbreak – Multistate (2018)
• Chamberlain Farms Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak – Multistate (2012)
• Del Monte Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuit – Nationwide (2011)
• Susie Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuit – Washington (2002)
• Viva Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuit – Washington, California (2001)
• Jensen Farms Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak – Nationwide (2011)