The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has announced a Salmonella outbreak involving fresh-cut watermelon and cantaloupe in both Washington and Oregon.

People who purchased these products on or about Oct. 25 up to Dec. 1 from QFC, Fred Meyer, Rosauers, and Central Market in Washington and Oregon are urged not to eat the fruit and throw it away.

Eighteen people from Washington including King (5), Mason (1), Pierce (1), Snohomish (7), Thurston (1), and Yakima (1) counties, along with two individuals from Oregon, have been diagnosed with the disease.

DOH is working with state and federal partners to determine the source of the fruit, including where it was cut and packaged, and if there may be additional retailers where related products were sold.

Lab results identified the strain Salmonella Newport as the cause. The symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

People experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

Photo: Via Flickr, cookbookman17

www.freshfruitportal.com