The CDC has updated its investigation into the Salmonella outbreak linked to imported Maradol papayas. Now, the investigation, which was originally focused on Salmonella Kiambu infections, has been expanded to include Salmonella Thompson infections.
The case count still stands at 109 people sick. Forty-eight people are sick with Salmonella Kiambu infections, and 61 people are sick with Salmonella Thompson infections. Those patients live in 16 states across the country. Thirty-five patients have been hospitalized, and one death was reported from New York City. Illnesses began in May 2017 and continue.
All evidence, including epidemiologic and laboratory, indicate that Maradol papayas imported from Mexico “are the likely source of this multistate outbreak.” Caribbean, Cavi, and Valery brand papayas from Mexico have been identified as brands linked to this outbreak and have all been recalled.
The FDA has identified Maradol papayas from the Carica de Campeche papaya farm in Mexico as a likely source of this outbreak. FDA is working to identify other brands that may have originated from this farm.
The CDC recommends that consumers do not eat, restaurants do not serve, and retailers not sell all brands of Maradol papayas from Mexico until the investigation is further along. If you aren’t sure whether or not papayas you have purchased are Maradol papayas, ask your retailer.
If you did purchase Maradol papayas, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed bag, or take them back to the place of purchase for a refund. Wash your hands well after handling these fruits. And wash and sanitize countertops and drawers and shelves in the refrigerator where you stored the papayas.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. People usually become ill 6 to 72 hours after ingesting food or drink contaminated with the pathogenic bacteria. Most people recover without medical treatment, but some do develop sepsis (a blood infection) or dehydration and need to be hospitalized.
The noted law firm Pritzker Hageman helps people who have been sickened by contaminated food protect their legal rights and get answers and compensation. Our lawyers help patients and families of children in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against retailers, grocery stores, food processors, restaurants, and others. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently won $7.5 million for a young client whose kidneys failed after he developed hemolytic uremic syndrome with an E. coli infection. Please note that class action lawsuits may not be appropriate for outbreak victims because each individual case is different.
