Deaths from tainted cantaloupe increase to 3 in U.S. and 5 in Canada

By JONEL ALECCIA
AP Health Writer

A salmonella outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupe has now killed eight people _ three in the U.S. and five in Canada. Health officials in both countries also reported dozens of new illnesses on Thursday.  In the U.S., at least 230 people are sick and 96 have been hospitalized since mid-November. Many of those who fell ill reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe sold in clamshell packages and trays. Salmonella can cause serious illness in young children, people older than 65 and those with conditions that weaken their immune systems.