American health authorities are cautioning individuals to avoid consuming specific whole and sliced cantaloupes, as well as pre-cut fruit items that have been connected to a salmonella contamination outbreak.

At least 43 individuals in 15 different states have contracted the outbreak reported on Friday, with 17 of them requiring hospitalization. Numerous types of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and fruit have been recalled, such as Malichita whole cantaloupes, Vinyard pre-cut cantaloupes, and ALDI whole cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit items.

Individuals who possess the items in their households should dispose of them.

Between October 16 and November 10, the items were sold and recalled earlier this month. Authorities are currently trying to determine if there are any other cantaloupe products that could be affected. Canadian officials are also looking into a salmonella outbreak that has been linked to the same strain found in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupe.

The actual number of individuals affected by the illness may be significantly greater than the reported cases and it is possible that the outbreak is not confined to states where cases have been identified. It usually takes three to four weeks to confirm if a sick person is connected to the outbreak.

The majority of individuals who contract salmonella experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of consuming contaminated food. These symptoms usually subside within four to seven days. However, vulnerable individuals, such as children, those over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, may suffer from more severe illnesses that may need medical treatment or hospitalization.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is fully responsible for all of its content.