WASHINGTON, Nov 26, (Agencies): A salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and cut fruit has resulted in two fatalities and at least 99 reported cases of illness, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a food safety alert issued on Friday, the CDC disclosed that two deaths occurred in Minnesota, with 32 states recording cases of salmonella.

Out of the 99 individuals affected, 45 have been hospitalized, with the majority of cases concentrated in Arizona, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The outbreak is associated with various fruit brands, specifically whole cantaloupes labeled "Malichita" or "Rudy" with the number "4050" and "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique"; Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes sold in Oklahoma between Oct 30 and Nov 10; and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products with best-buy dates between Oct 27 and Oct 31 in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Additionally, the recall extends to Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac pre-cut cantaloupes sold in multiple states with best-buy dates between Nov 7 and Nov 12. The CDC is actively investigating to identify any other potentially contaminated cantaloupe products.

The initial reports of illness surfaced on Oct. 17, and the CDC emphasizes that the actual number of cases could be higher due to people recovering without medical intervention and not being tested for salmonella. The outbreak might also extend beyond the currently identified states.

The CDC is urging businesses not to sell or serve the recalled cantaloupes and products made with them. They also recommend thorough washing and sanitization of items and surfaces. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Canadian health officials are also investigating the outbreak in collaboration with the CDC.

As a recurring issue, the CDC highlights that salmonella bacteria causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States annually.