NASHVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Department of Health says six people in Tennessee have been sickened by salmonella that has been traced back to cantaloupes from southwest Indiana.

These reports follow recent news of an outbreak has killed two people and sickened at least fifty in Kentucky since July.  At last count, 141 people across several states have fallen ill.

Tennessee deputy epidemiologist John Dunn told WPLN-FM that the outside of the melon is contaminated, and when someone cuts through the rind, the salmonella spreads to the flesh of the melon, and is consumed by people.

Dunn recommends consumers ask about where the cantaloupes are grown when they purchase them and that any melons from southwestern Indiana should be thrown out. 

The Kentucky Department for Public Health has also had positive tests for salmonella on batches of cantaloupes grown in southwest Indiana.  They urge consumers to ask where cantaloupes were grown before buying them.

In general, the Food and Drug Administration recommends thoroughly washing and scrubbing the rinds of all cantaloupes and melons before cutting them, and to keep sliced melons refrigerated prior to eating.