An outbreak of watermelon-borne pesticide toxicity

M.A. Green, M.A. Heumann, H.M. Wehr, L.R. Foster, L.P. Williams , J.A. Polder, C.L. Morgan, S.L. Wagner, L.A. Wanke and J.M. Witt

American Journal of Public Health, 1987, vol. 77, issue 11, 1431-1434

Abstract: The largest reported United States outbreak of illness caused by a foodborne pesticide was due to aldicarb-contaminated watermelons. In Oregon, where the first episodes of toxicity were reported, 264 reports were received, and 61 definite cases were identified. Residues of aldicarb, a cholinesterase inhibitor, were found in 10 of 16 tested melons which had been eaten by persons meeting the case definition. The outbreak demonstrated the need for enhanced physician vigilance with respect to anticholinesterase intoxication. It also demonstrates the value of an established system for reporting of unusual illness to public health officials.

Date: 1987
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1987:77:11:1431-1434_5

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