Two deaths have been linked to an outbreak strain connected to the consumption of whole and packaged cantaloupes in the US.

In an update notice on the outbreak issued on Friday (24 November), the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the two fatalities had been reported in Minnesota

The CDC said 99 cases of infection had been disclosed across 32 states. Forty-five people have been hospitalised, it added.

In the update, the agency said three more brands had been recalled: Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and two brands of pre-cut cantaloupes – Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac – have been added to the original recall.

The initial list of products recalled comprised Malichita whole cantaloupes, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes, plus Aldi whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products.

“Investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated,” the CDC said.

Canada is also investigating this outbreak and has linked illnesses in the country with the same salmonella strain, the agency added.