ATLANTA, Georgia – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the recent cantaloupe salmonella outbreak, which resulted in multiple fatalities and hundreds of hospitalizations, has come to an end. The outbreak, which was first reported in January, had raised concerns across the country about the safety of consuming cantaloupes.
The CDC announced that a total of 261 cases were reported across 25 states, with 94 people hospitalized and 2 deaths attributed to the outbreak. The agency worked in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments to investigate the source of the contamination and advise the public on the necessary precautions.
The CDC’s investigation determined that the contaminated cantaloupes were no longer on the market and that the shelf life of the product had expired. The agency also emphasized the importance of thoroughly washing and cleaning any surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected fruit to prevent further spread of the salmonella bacteria.
While the outbreak has been declared over, the CDC continues to monitor for any potential new cases linked to the contaminated cantaloupes. They also encourage consumers to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
The cantaloupe salmonella outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for continued vigilance to prevent future outbreaks. The CDC’s swift response and collaboration with other health agencies helped to contain the outbreak and minimize its impact on public health.