A variety of papaya from Mexico is being blamed for a salmonella outbreak that killed one person and sickened 46 others in 12 states.

  • Recall of Caribena brand Maradol papaya
  • Fruit is linked to nationwide salmonella outbreak
  • Cases so far in 12 states, one killed

The papaya variety is a Maradol papaya, sold by Caribena brand. It has a yellow skin when ripe, and salmon-colored flesh.

There have been no cases identified in Florida yet, but New York has had 13 reported cases and New Jersey has had 12. Virginia has had six, Maryland has had five Pennsylvania has had four. Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Utah have had one each.

The papayas, however, where distributed nationwide between July 7 and July 18.

The Food and Drug Administration is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials to track cases of the foodborne illness.

Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections.

"Therefore, FDA is advising consumers to avoid all Caribena brand Maradol papayas. The FDA also noted that there are illnesses in states where Grande Produce did not distribute papayas and is continuing its investigation," the agency said.

A company spokesman did not immediately reply to a message left Wednesday seeking comment.

Anyone unsure about whether the papaya they bought is a Maradol from Mexico should not "eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out," the FDA said.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.