(RxWiki News) Sweet and juicy mangoes are the perfect fruit for the end of summer. But maybe you'll want to hold off on your craving until the most recent salmonella outbreak has passed.
Tainted Mexican mangoes are temporarily being held responsible for the most recent outbreak of salmonella. About a hundred cases of salmonella have been reported so far, extending across the western coast of the US and Canada.
US health agencies have not released information or announced a recall of mangoes yet, but Canadian authorities recalled Daniella brand mangoes over the weekend.
"Carefully inspect and wash mangoes before consuming them."
In California, 73 cases have been reported, and Washington reported 6 cases so far. Canada has had 22 cases.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's recall involves mangoes sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon between July 12 and August 14. According to Food Safety News, the fruit may have a sticker with the PLU number 4959.
California, with the most cases in the US, is taking the lead on the investigation. Lola Russell, a spokeswoman with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the LA Times that the strain of salmonella that is responsible for the California sickness is the same as the strain in Canada.
That means that the sicknesses likely came from the same source. If Canada has pinpointed mangoes, the US could take similar steps.
Already, US companies are voluntarily recalling the fruit. In California, one of the main distributors of Daniella mangoes, Splendid Products, is issuing a recall.
Giant Food and Stop & Shop grocery stores are also recalling mangoes.
Salmonella is a bacteria that is transmitted to humans through food. It causes an infection called salmonellosis within 12 to 72 hours of consuming a contaminated food.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can last for four to seven days. Typically, people recover with treatment, but those with severe symptoms may have to be hospitalized.
According to the CDC, the elderly, infants and people who already have an illness that affects their immune system are most at risk for severe illnesses.
Children are the most likely to become infected. If you or your child believes they're experiencing symptoms, see your healthcare provider.
