Deadly Cases of Salmonella Continue to Rise in Minnesota: Cantaloupe Consumption Identified as the Cause

Minneapolis, MN—Public health officials in Minnesota have reported an alarming increase in cases of Salmonella, a potentially deadly bacterial infection, with the cause linked to the consumption of cantaloupe. The number of victims affected by this severe foodborne illness continues to rise, prompting urgent warnings to the public.

According to Minnesota Department of Health, Salmonella is from the bacteria Salmonellosis. Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of animals, including birds. Salmonella is usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection (Photo: Marler Clark)

There are many confirmed cases of Salmonella infection that have been reported. Medical professionals have attributed this sudden increase to the consumption of cantaloupe, a popular summer fruit. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are urging residents to exercise caution when choosing and consuming cantaloupes.

READ MORE: FDA Widens Cantaloupe Recall As Salmonella Infections Double Within A Week

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the MDH have launched a joint investigation to identify the source of the contaminated cantaloupes.

The FDA and MDH are working hard to stop the outbreak and keep it from spreading. As a safety measure, the public is advise to discard all the recent purchased of cantaloupe as a precaution, particularly if you are unsure of its origin.

For more information on Salmonella and food safety, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website or the FDA’s Food Safety page.

READ MORE: Hope On The Horizon: Early Promise For Stem Cell Therapy In Managing Multiple Sclerosis