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Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Outbreak
Below is the most recent information from the CDC on the multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Litchfield infections that has been associated with cantaloupe from Honduras grown and packed by Agropecuaria Montelibano. We are publishing it here as a public service. We have a national reputation in the area of food poisoning litigation, and lawyers in the firm have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and other publications. Contact us regarding our recently-settled Salmonella cases.
CDC Report on Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Litchfield
Between January 18 and March 5, 2008, state health departments identified 50 ill persons in 16 states infected with Salmonella Litchfield with the same genetic fingerprint. Ill persons with the outbreak strain have been reported from Arizona (1 person), California (10), Colorado (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (1), New York (5), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (5), Tennessee (1), Utah (5), Washington (9), and Wisconsin (3). In addition, 9 ill persons with the outbreak strain have been reported in Canada. Their ages range from <1 to 93 years; 58% are female. At least 14 persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Investigation of the Outbreak
Investigators defined a case as infection on or after January 1, 2008 with the outbreak strain of Salmonella. In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about foods consumed in the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of well persons. The study indicates that cantaloupe is the likely source of infections. [This has legal significance. Contact us regarding evidence used in a Salmonella lawsuit.]
Preliminary results of a traceback investigation conducted by FDA indicate that cantaloupes consumed by ill persons were grown in Honduras. FDA has issued an import alert regarding entry of cantaloupe from Honduran grower and packer Agropecuaria Montelibano to the United States. The import alert advises that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained. In addition, the FDA is advising United States grocers, food service operators, and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company.
Clinical features
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4 – 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. In severe infection, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites, and death can occur if the person is not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Advice to consumers
These products may still be in grocery stores and in consumers’ homes. Consumers who have cantaloupe in their homes can check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this Honduran grower and packer. Cantaloupe from this company should be discarded and not consumed. [If someone was sickened by the cantaloupe, a Salmonella lawyer should be contacted immediately. Do not discard the cantaloupe until you speak with a Salmonella lawyer.]
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