Cantaloupes linked to salmonella cases

Thursday, May 31, 2001 | 10:31 a.m.

Clark County Health District officials have removed imported cantaloupes from grocery store shelves after an outbreak of salmonella, and at least five people may have contracted the disease from the infected fruit.

The Viva brand of cantaloupe, imported from Mexico, has been linked to numerous illnesses in 14 states, including Nevada. Two people have died, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates imports of agricultural products.

Produce managers at major grocery chains, including Raley's, Smith's and Alberton's, confirmed that stores that had carried the suspect melons have removed them.

Salmonella poona is an organism transmitted through contact with fecal matter. It is especially dangerous for infants, young children and the elderly. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Although most people recover within a week to 10 days, the disease can cause life-threatening illnesses, including bacterial infections of the heart.

In Clark County one of the cases of salmonella poona was severe enough that the person had to be hospitalized, said health district spokeswoman Jennifer Sizemore. While several of the people infected did eat cantaloupe, a link to the fruit hasn't been established in all five cases, she said.

Anyone who purchased a Viva brand cantaloupe should return it to the grocery store, Sizemore said.

Most of the products sold included a small "Viva' sticker, although people should follow FDA guidelines when eating any brand of cantaloupe or other fresh produce, Sizemore said.

FDA recommendations for reducing the chance of spreading bacteria, including salmonella poona: