Summary
What is already known about this topic?
A 2020 outbreak of Salmonella infections was found to be associated with melons after conclusion of harvesting, when melons were no longer likely to be on the market.
What is added by this report?
In 2022, whole genome sequencing (WGS)–based Salmonella surveillance, historical melon farm environmental sampling results, and patient interviews were used to rapidly link a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak to contaminated cantaloupes.
What are the implications for public health practice?
WGS-based surveillance, combined with rapid collection of epidemiologic data by state and local agencies, can be used to reduce the time to outbreak detection and response.
FoodWorld 