This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Cases rise in multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Maradol papayas
The CDC recently announced that a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Maradol papayas imported from Mexico has affected at least 109 people in 16 states.
As of August 4, outbreak investigators identified 48 illnesses caused by Salmonella Kiambu and 61 illnesses caused by Salmonella serotype Thompson in states ranging from the northeastern to central United States. Most of the illnesses were reported in New Jersey (n = 26), New York (n = 36) and Virginia (n = 11).
Based on available data, patients began to develop symptoms between May 17 and July 22; however, the CDC said additional infections may have occurred after July 10. At least 35 people were hospitalized, and one death was reported in New York City.
Caribeña brand Maradol papayas imported from Mexico appear to be a likely source of the outbreak. On July 26, Grande Produce voluntarily recalled this brand of papayas that were distributed between July 10 and July 19. During an FDA investigation, health officials determined that other papayas imported from Mexico were contaminated with Salmonella serotype Kiambu and Salmonella serotype Thompson, as well as several other types of Salmonella, including Salmonella serotype Agona, Salmonella serotype Gaminara and Salmonella serotype Senftenberg. Through this testing, the FDA found that Maradol papayas from the Carica de Campeche papaya farm in Mexico may also be linked to the outbreak. Subsequently, on August 4, Agroson’s LLC recalled 2,483 boxes of Maradol Papaya Cavi Brand grown and packaged at Carica de Campeche as a precaution. The products were distributed to wholesalers in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York between July 16 to July 19. The FDA is working to identify other papaya brands from Carica de Campeche to facilitate recalls.
Until more information is known, the CDC does not recommend eating, serving or selling Maradol papayas from Mexico.