Salmonella outbreak in Washington, Oregon tied to fruit

Fresh fruit trays sold in Washington and Oregon groceries are being blamed for sickening 18 people with salmonella, the Washington Department of Health announced Friday.

The outbreak involving pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe and fruit mixes with watermelon or cantaloupe in both states.

The fruit was bought Oct. 25 to Dec. 1 at QFC, Fred Meyer, Rosauers and Central Market in Washington and Oregon.

People are being told not to eat the fruit and to throw it away, said state health officials.

Five people in King County, seven in Snohomish County and one each in Yakima, Mason, Thurston and Pierce counties were sickened, as well as two people in Oregon.

State health officials say they are working with state and federal partners to find the source of the fruit, including where it was cut and packaged, and if other retailers carried the fruit.

Symptoms of Salmonella Newport include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. People with any of those symptoms should contact their health care provider. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal, said the state.

Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

More information on the health risks of salmonella is available on the state website.