Salmonella outbreak: Death toll now up to 5, dozens hospitalized

Five people have now died in a salmonella outbreak linked to fresh fruit.

There have been 129 lab-confirmed cases of salmonella across six provinces, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said.

Of those 129 cases, 44 have required hospital treatment.

The outbreak was first publicized by PHAC on Nov. 17.

Officials at the agency believe the source of the outbreak is likely to be cantaloupes sold by Malichita and Rudy.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled various products linked to the outbreak, with the first notice being put out on Nov. 1.

There have also been secondary recalls of pineapples, watermelons and fruit trays that were processed alongside contaminated cantaloupes.

Most of the people who have become sick are either children under the age of five (35 per cent of cases) or seniors over 65 (45 per cent).

But PHAC said people affected range in age from under one all the way up to 100.

Daycares, retirement homes and long-term care homes are hotspots for the development of the illness.

Quebec has the most cases – 91 – while British Columbia has 15.

The other provinces dealing with the outbreak are Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.

There have been 230 cases of illness in the US, with three deaths.

The Mailchita cantaloupes were sold between Oct. 11 and Nov. 14, while Rudy’s were sold between Oct. 10 and Nov. 24.

CFIA warned that more products could be recalled in connection with the outbreak.

“If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out,” PHAC explained.

“This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers, food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement residences and daycares, across Canada.”

PHAC said symptoms typically begin six to 72 hours after exposure to salmonella bacteria, and typically last about a week.

They include:

• fever

• chills

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• headache

• abdominal cramps

People who are infected with the bacteria can spread it to other people for several weeks, even if they don't have symptoms.

It can also be spread through contaminated surfaces.