73 sickened by salmonella-tainted mangoes, say California health officials

(CBS/AP) California health officials say they are investigating a foodborne illness outbreak associated with mangoes that has sickened 73 people with a particular strain of salmonella bacteria.

FDA: Avoid cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana

Authorities say they are still probing what prompted the outbreak of salmonella Braenderup cases in California and trying to identify which specific mango brands or sources might be tied to the illnesses.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also recently reported illnesses resulting from the same bacterial strain.

Officials with the California Department of Public Health say they are working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Canadian public health and food safety agencies to pinpoint the cause.

Another outbreak of salmonella that's ongoing on the U.S. has sickened 178 people in more than 21 states. Last week health officials identified Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Ind. as one potential source of the outbreak and urged Americans to avoid cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana.

Salmonella bacteria is a common causes of food poisoning that can contaminate a wide range of foods. The infection the bacteria causes, salmonellosis, causes diarrhea, fever and cramps. Most people recover without treatment, but it can cause serious illness in older people, infants and those with chronic diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on salmonella.