The Washington State Department of Health has linked a Salmonella outbreak to pre-cut fruit in Washington and Oregon.
Officials are urging people to throw away pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe, or fruit mixes purchased on or about October 25-December 1 from QFC, Fred Meyer, Rosauers, and Central Market.
As of December 1, 18 people from King (5), Pierce (1), Snohomish (7), Thurston (1), and Yakima (1) counties along with two individuals from Oregon have been diagnosed with Salmonella.
The Department of Health is working with state and federal officials to determine the source of the fruit, where is was cut and packaged, and if there are any additional stores where the contaminated fruits were sold.
Lab results have identified Salmonella Newport as the cause.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, range widely, and are sometimes absent altogether. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Typical symptoms of Salmonella infection appear 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and last for 3 to 7 days without treatment. They include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Cramps
- Fever of 100 F to 102 F
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Body Aches