Outbreak of Listeria Leads to Four Deaths

 

The fruits in question are believed to have come from Jensen Farms, a business in Holly, Colorado. Since this was confirmed, all cantaloupes from this farm have been recalled. This includes fruit that was shipped from July 29 to September 10. Seventeen states are thought to have cantaloupes from the infected crop, including Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New York.

 

Listeria is usually not a deadly disease for healthy adults, but the very young, very old, pregnant mothers and those with compromised immune systems are likely to suffer from its consumption. Normal symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and stomach problems. The current outbreak has affected the elderly most of all. Four deaths have been contributed to the disease thus far, and two more are being examined to see if listeria is the cause.

 

Listeria can be particularly dangerous because it can grow at room and refrigerator temperatures. It also has a long incubation period (one month), which means it’s likely the number of sick people will grow. CBS medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton noted that the best way to treat the disease is to prevent it. "Practice safe handling food practices always," she noted, and confirmed that "The disease trackers at the CDC will be watching this closely."