The Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) announced this Friday that it had temporarily suspended a cantaloupe melon processing company located in the state of Sonora.

Thanks to a release The agency explained that this was due to a salmonella outbreak related to melon brands Malichita and Rudywhich caused the deaths of eight people: five in Canada and three in UNITED STATESwho tested positive for the presence of the bacteria.

Without revealing the name of the company, Cofepris indicated that in collaboration with the National Service of Hygiene, Safety and Agri-Food Quality (Sénasica) and the State Committee for Plant Protection, They took water and surface samples to clarify the origin of the contamination.

Even, More than 36,000 boxes of melons have been removed and you are warned not to consume this fruit without knowing its origin.

And Malichita and Rudy melons are produced in the northern region and are imported by Sofia Produce LLC and Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC in the USA.

Investigations remain active to identify the exact point of contamination, excluding whether it occurred during export or in US and Canadian supermarkets.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has recorded 129 cases of salmonella, and 44 hospitalizations, mainly in people under five years old or over 65 years old. In the United States, the figure is three deaths and 230 patients.

Both countries have recalled melons linked to the outbreak as a precautionary measure and are continuing relevant health testing to control the outbreak and prevent future incidents.

Salmonellosis, the infection caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonellais one of the diseases transmitted by food contaminated by animal feces.

Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. These usually begin between six hours and four days after infection.

The illness may clear up in three to seven days, and mild cases usually do not require professional treatment. Antibiotics are only used to treat severe cases.

However, salmonella infections can be life-threatening to young children, pregnant women and their fetuses, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Salmonella infection can pass from the intestine into the bloodstream and lead to death if not treated in time.

A small number of people infected with salmonella develop reactive arthritis, which causes painful urination, joint pain, and eye irritation. This condition can last for months or years and lead to chronic arthritis.

Avoid cross-contamination of food. Keep raw meats separate from other foods.

People infected with salmonella should not prepare food for others.

Proper food storage and handling helps prevent the growth of salmonella, and careful cooking destroys the bacteria. Raw or undercooked meat or eggs as well as raw or unpasteurized dairy products should not be consumed. Products must be washed thoroughly.

Wash your hands with soap after changing diapers or using the toilet.

Wash your hands after handling animals. Reptiles are particularly susceptible to carrying salmonella, as it can contaminate their skin. Salmonella is also often found in the intestines of chicks and young birds.