(Gray News) - An ongoing outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to certain cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products has resulted in two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations in 32 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak, which was initially announced on November 17, has infected at least 99 people across the country. Health officials in Minnesota have reported two deaths associated with the outbreak, while a total of 45 individuals have been hospitalized.

The CDC has issued a warning to consumers, urging them not to consume specific brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes, as well as pre-cut fruit products. The recall includes Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe, Rudy brand whole cantaloupe, Freshness Guaranteed brand pre-cut cantaloupe, RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupe, ALDI whole cantaloupe, and pre-cut fruit products.

Affected individuals who have purchased any of the recalled fruit are advised to refrain from consuming them. Instead, the items should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase.

Investigators are diligently working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Health officials in Canada are also looking into the outbreak, as they have reported ongoing cases associated with the same strain of salmonella found in the cantaloupes.

The recalled products were reportedly sold between October 16 and November 10. Illnesses linked to the outbreak have been reported in states ranging from California to Massachusetts.

Officials have cautioned that the number of people affected by the outbreak is likely higher than the reported cases, and the outbreak may extend beyond the currently known affected states.