>Salmonella outbreak in 23 states, papaya is the source of the disease

Salmonella outbreak in 23 states, papaya is the source of the disease (Alberta Times) The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warns consumers that contaminated papayas look like...

Salmonella outbreaks in 23 states, papayas suspected to be source of disease (Alberta Times) The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is warning consumers that contaminated papayas appear to be the source of salmonella outbreaks in 23 states. The FDA said papayas imported from Mexico and distributed by Agromod Produce Inc. of McAllen, Texas, were the likely source of 97 cases of Salmonella Gona. Ten people have been hospitalized so far, but no deaths have been reported. Agromod Produce Company has voluntarily recalled all papayas sold before July 23. Cases were reported from January 1 to July 18 in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Patient ages ranged from 1 to 91 years old, with an average age of 20 years. More than half of the patients are women. Texas has the most cases, with 25 people sickened. Salmonella gona is one of 2,000 strains of salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection and can last up to seven days. Approximately 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported in the United States each year. The FDA tells consumers to check the brand sticker on fresh papaya to see if it is Agromod before purchasing the fruit. Consumers and retailers stocking Agromod brand papayas should place them in sealed containers before discarding them so that animals cannot eat them. People who suspect they have become ill after eating papaya should see a doctor. This brand of papaya may already be available throughout the United States and Canada. The FDA and CDC are working with state public health officials to identify additional cases.