The CDC has announced a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup that may be linked to Daniella mangoes imported from Mexico. According to the latest report, 103 people are ill in 16 states. Twenty-five people have been hospitalized out of the 69 who have been interviewed.
The government has not released the state by state case count, but they do say that California has the majority of illnesses, at 78. Most people became ill during the month of July. For people who have been interviewed, illness dates range from July 3, 2012 to August 11, 2012. The age range of patients is from 1 to 86 years; the median age is 32. Fifty-five percent of the patients are female.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency released a recall and an outbreak announcement on August 24, 2012. Twenty-two people are ill in that country. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE pattern, associated with the U.S. cases is the same as the Canadian cases that are linked to the recalled mangoes.
While many stores have recalled Daniella mangoes with PLU numbers 3114, 4051, 4311, 4321, 4961, 4584 or 4959, public health officials have not identified a specific type of source for the mangoes that are causing this outbreak. There is no specific consumer advice at this time. Once a definitive source has been pinpointed, public health officials will make an announcement.
Advice to the public to avoid Salmonella infections includes: wash hands, work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water after they have been in contact with meat and poultry. Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw produce and for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Always wash produce under running water with a scrub brush before peeling or slicing.
The symptoms of salmonellosis, the disease caused by the Salmonella bacteria, include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, fever, and sometimes vomiting. If you or anyone you know ate mangoes are are exhibiting these symptoms, see your healthcare provider immediately. The long-term consequences of a Salmonella infection can be severe.
