Update: The CDC now says that Cavi brand papayas distributed by Agroson’s LLC of the Bronx are linked to this outbreak. The FDA has released information about the Salmonella Uganda papaya outbreak that has sickened at least 62 people in 8 states. the FDA is increasing import screening for whole, fresh papayas and will continue to investigate the sauce and source of this outbreak. They are also tracking distribution of these products.
Preliminary analysis shows that whole, fresh papayas from Mexico are potentially linked to this outbreak. The papayas were distributed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Consumers in those states should not consume any whole, fresh papayas imported from Mexico and should throw them away.
The FDA is strongly advising importers, suppliers, and distributors, restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers to hold whole, fresh papayas imported from Mexico and not serve or sell them to the public.
The last illness onset date was June 8, 2019. No recall has been issued. The FDA will update the information in their advisory, including any recalled products, as more information is available. No information about the stores or restaurants that may have carried the papayas has been released to date. Most of the people sickened live in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include a fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody. These symptoms usually start 12 to 72 hours after the pathogen has been ingested. People are sick for a few days up to a week. Most recover without medical treatment, but some do become sick enough that they need to be hospitalized. Twenty-three people sickened in this outbreak have been hospitalized.
If you did buy whole, fresh papayas in these states, and aren’t sure if they were imported from Mexico, check with your retailer. If they can’t give you an answer, throw it away. It’s a good idea to clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution if you did purchase one of these papayas.
If you have eaten papayas in the past week or so and have been ill with th symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning, see your doctor. You may be part of this Salmonella Uganda papaya outbreak.
