Indiana Melons Linked to US Salmonella Outbreak

Health officials in Indiana and Kentucky say they are investigating farms, distributors, and retailers after an outbreak of salmonella that has killed two and sickened at least 141 people nationwide was linked to cantaloupe grown in southwestern Indiana. Officials yesterday advised all Indiana residents to discard cantaloupes purchased since July 7. The Kentucky Department of Public Health warned people not to eat the cantaloupes.

Tests found the fruit carried the same strain of salmonella that has killed two and sickened more than 50 in Kentucky. Salmonella infections result in diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment, but severe infections can occur in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The US Food and Drug Administration says 31 have been hospitalized in this outbreak that has hit 20 states. (More cantaloupes stories.)