Salmonella in the USA - Multistate Outbreak Linked to Fruit (Papaya)

On 21 July 2017 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu infections in 12 states. A total of 47 cases have been identified: 12 have been hospitalised and 1 has died.

CDC has identified Maradol brand papayas as the most likely source of the outbreak and advises people not to eat this brand of papaya. Restaurants and retailers should not sell this produce. If unsure of the brand of papaya, the produce should not be eaten or sold.

As of 21 July the affected states are Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Advice for travellers

In addition to specific advice about Maradol papayas, general food hygiene advice is approriate.

• If using street vendors, where possible, food should be chosen that is freshly cooked to a high temperature and served immediately while still hot.
• Milk should be boiled unless it has been pasteurised.
• Cheeses and ice cream are often made from unpasteurised milk and when in doubt these should only be bought from larger well established companies when quality can usually be assured.
• Meat should be thoroughly cooked and eaten hot whenever possible. Leftovers and reheated meat should be avoided.
• Fish and shellfish can be hazardous even if well cooked. Local advice about seafood should be sought, but when in doubt it is best avoided.
• Vegetables should only be eaten when thoroughly cooked.
• Salads and fresh herbs (including in drinks) should be avoided.
• Fruit should be peeled, including tomatoes. Berries, in particular raspberries, maybe a source of Cyclospora infection. They are difficult to wash and best avoided.

For further information see Salmonellosis.