CDC reports Papayas cause Salmonella Outbreak — 1 Dead, 47 ill

A New Yorker is dead and 12 have been hospitalized in 12 states thanks to salmonella-tainted papayas, federal officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control

has issued an alert that salmonella Kiambu has been traced to Mexican Maradol papayas, sold under the Caribeña brand, which have infected 47 people.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain — and, in rare cases, death. The bacteria typically runs its course in a week.

The identity of the dead New Yorker has not been released.

Illnesses related to the infection began in mid-May, with the Maryland Department of Health first identifying the outbreak, which was later noted in New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

No recall has been issued as of yet, but the Food and Drug Administration is warning people to avoid Maradol papaya. If you have one, discard it and wash and sanitize countertops, drawers, and shelves where the papaya was stored.

New York is home to several beloved papaya vendors, including Gray’s Papaya, Papaya King and Papaya Dog. None has been linked to the outbreak.