An outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 1 associated with watermelon in Gisborne, January 2009
Lisa McCallum, Michelle Torok, Muriel Dufour, Alan Hall, Geoff Cramp
This paper describes a case control study of an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 1 that was associated with watermelon in Gisborne in January 2009. Epidemiological and physical evidence suggested it may have been due to contaminated waste from birds, animals and/or humans; lack of temperature control may have also contributed. The authors suggest that melon growers keep fruit free from potential Salmonella-contaminated wastes and to chlorine wash watermelon prior to sale. Furthermore, cut watermelon should be kept chilled prior to sale.