Disease Outbreaks and Investigation
Measles Confirmed in Wisconsin Residents (April 2008)
For additional information visit the Immunization Program website.
FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria
Montelibano (March 2008)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an important
alert regarding cantaloupe from a Honduran grower: Agropecuaria
Montelibano. Fruit from this company appears to be associated with a
Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that
between January 18 and March 5, 2008, 50 ill persons in 16 states were
infected with Salmonella Litchfield with the same generic fingerprint.
Three of the infected persons are Wisconsin residents.
See FDA
News Release of 03/22/08 (Exit
DHFS) recommends that consumers take the following steps to
reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella or other foodborne illness
from cantaloupes:
- Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If
buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or
surrounded by ice.
- After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.
- Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh
cantaloupes.
- Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool
tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.
- Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes.
Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot
water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or
seafood, and the preparation of cantaloupe.
- If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe,
cut away those parts before eating it.
- Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room
temperature for more than two hours.
- Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel-packs when transporting or
storing cantaloupes outdoors.
Health officials will continue to monitor for cases.
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Last Revised: April 14, 2008 |
