Death Toll Rises To Five In Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada says the Salmonella outbreak linked to tainted cantaloupe has now killed five people.

As of Thursday, there have been 129 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella linked to the outbreak, with 91 cases in Quebec, 17 cases in Ontario, 15 in BC and two each in PEI, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Additional infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November after eating the Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes.

Forty-four people have been hospitalized.

The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger, or adults 65 years of age or older.

Many cases also report residing in a long-term care home, retirement residence or attending daycare.

Recall notices began coming out on November 1st.

The U.S. CDC is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to cantaloupes that is the same genetic strain as illnesses reported in this outbreak.