Fruit Pulp Linked to Typhoid Cases Found in Nevada

LAS VEGAS -- Seven confirmed cases of typhoid, including four in southern Nevada, have been linked to a recall involving a product used in milkshakes and smoothies.

The item is frozen Mamey pulp and it's sold under the Goya brand. It's a fruit pulp from Central America sold mainly in Hispanic supermarkets. The CDC is issuing a voluntary recall of the Goya frozen Mamey that was sold in 11 states between April and July of this year.

On Wednesday, the FDA said a positive sample of the bacteria was found on one of the products in Las Vegas. For anybody who might have the product, health officials say just get rid of it.

"The recommendation is, if you have the product, throw it out and don't consume it. The retailers need to pull the products off of the shelves because it has been recalled," said Brian Labus, Southern Nevada Health District.

Labus says all of those who have contracted the bacterial infection in Nevada are all under the age of 30 and all have since recovered from their illness. The item, which is popular in a number of Hispanic supermarkets, has been pulled off store shelves including at the King Ranch Market on Eastern and Tropicana.

"That product sells a lot. As soon as we heard it we had to take it off immediately," said Pablo Ponce, King Ranch Market.

Officials with the health district urge people who might be suffering from symptoms of typhoid to immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Health district officials say the bacteria in these products can live from 2 to 3 years in a frozen state.