Salmonella outbreak spreads across US
A lethal salmonella strain called Salmonella Kiambu, linked to Maradol papayas, has broken out in 12 different US states, including Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. Since May there have been 109 known cases, 35 hospitalisations and one death resulting from the disease. Mexico's Caribeña, a brand of Maradol papayas, has been specifically linked to the contamination, though other brands are thought to be related to the outbreak. The FDA is investigating.

Update 8/4/2017: The CDC reports that after advanced lab testing, the Salmonella strain called Salmonella Thompson is in fact linked to the multi-state outbreak. Therefore, two types of the bacteria found on Maradol papayas — Salmonella Kiambu and Salmonella Thompson — are causing widespread illness.

The number of cases has increased from 47 to 109; included in these cases are 35 hospitalizations (which has nearly tripled from the CDC's last report of 12). The death toll remains at one. Six more states have reported illnesses: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. This now makes a total of 18 across the country.

The CDC still recommends that people don't eat any Maradol papayas.

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Original 7/24/2017: As of Friday, CNN reports that a deadly salmonella outbreak called Salmonella Kiambu, linked to yellow Maradol papayas, has infected 47 people across 12 different states (Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Maryland). Twelve people total have been hospitalized, and there has been one reported death from New York City.

According to the CDC, the government, along with "public health and regulatory officials in several states," and the FDA are investigating the multi-state flare-up.

The first reported cases of the illness began on May 17 and lasted until June 28. Of those infected, the median age is 27 — ages ranged from less than 1 year to 95 — and 67% are female.

The CDC notes that illnesses reported after June 23 might not yet be included in the total count, as it takes an average of two to four weeks for illnesses to be linked to the outbreak. Cases, therefore, are predicted to increase.

The Caribeña brand of Maradol papayas from Mexico, distributed by Grande Produce in San Juan, Texas, is believed to be connected to this surge of salmonella. However, additional brands are expected to be related to the outbreak as well.

This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Outbreak: 47 sick, 12 hospitalized w/ Salmonella linked to yellow Maradol papayas. Do not eat & throw away. https://t.co/6DoGtnyPp5 pic.twitter.com/bXqukEtkKN — CDC (@CDCgov) July 21, 2017

The FDA warns that "Maradol papayas are green before they ripen and turn yellow, so consumers should not eat Caribeña brand regardless of the color."

They posted this Facebook message earlier today, showing what the identifying sticker from the brand looks like:

This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Health officials found that of the five confirmed cases in Maryland, they all claim to have eaten Caribeña brand Maradol papayas from the same store the week prior to symptoms.

Samples collected from these infected people and the grocery store (left unnamed) were reported to test positive for Salmonella Kiambu and Salmonella Thompson. But it's unclear whether or not the Thompson strain is directly linked to the outbreak.

According to the CDC, symptoms — diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps — begin 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to salmonella bacteria. The illness usually lasts from four to seven days and those at highest risk of infection are young children under 5, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Maradol papayas are "a large, oval fruit that weighs 3 or more pounds, with green skins that turn yellow when the fruit is ripe. The flesh inside the fruit is salmon-colored," reports the CDC.

It recommends that "consumers not eat, restaurants not serve and retailers not sell Maradol papayas until we learn more." It also recommend to sanitize whenever possible, and when in doubt, throw them out.

If you have any of symptoms related to salmonella, you should seek medical attention immediately.

GoodHousekeeping.com has reached out to Grande Produce, distributor of the Caribeña brand of Maradol papayas, and will update this post if we hear back.

[h/t CNN]