2009 Multistate/Multiprovince Outbreak of Salmonella Carrau Infections Linked to Melon

Salmonella Carrau is a rare Salmonella serotype. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Centers for Disease Control collaborated on the investigation of a cluster of Salmonella Carrau infections occurring between February 1 and May 1, 2009 in 18 US states and Canada. Canadian cases were in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Although melon consumption was significantly associated with illness, neither the epidemiologic study nor traceback was able to distinguish the specific melon type responsible for the illnesses.

Overview

Outbreak began:February 2009
Affected country:Canada, US
Pathogen:Salmonella Carrau
Vehicle(s):Melon
Location(s):Retail
Brand name(s):Unknown
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:53
Number hospitalized:4
Number of deaths:1

Sources & documents

Report / reference links