The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning to consumers of pre-cut melons from Walmart: throw them away.
Various pre-cut melons from the retailer have been linked to a multi-state salmonella outbreak.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 60 cases in 5 states, including 6 from Illinois.
Public Health Director, Dr. Nirav Shah, says Salmonella contamination can be pretty serious.
Shah says some people get diarrhea so bad they must be hospitalized. Salmonella infection can cause severe diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12-to-72 hours after eating contaminated food.
The outbreak is tied to watermelon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe from Walmart that has been pre-cut and packaged individually or in fruit cups and salads.
