13 Deaths Linked to Listeria Contaminated Cantaloupes

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that at least 13 deaths have been linked to listeria-contaminated cantaloupe grown by Colorado based company, Jensen Farms. Not since 1985, when 52 deaths were attributed to listeria contaminated Mexican-style fresh cheese, has an outbreak of listeria affected so many individuals. According to the CDC, four deaths have occurred in New Mexico, two in Colorado, two in Texas and one death each in Maryland, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri. Officials are investigating additional deaths in various states to determine whether or not they were related to the tainted cantaloupe, marketed as “Rocky Ford.” In addition to the 13 deaths, the CDC is reporting that at least 59 people have become ill after consuming tainted cantaloupes. Officials believe the number of people infected with listeria will increase due to the fact that the bacteria can take months to surface.

What is listeria? Listeria is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, plants and foods, and unlike many bacteria, can survive well in low temperatures. Listeria can cause listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening foodborne illness. People with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women and young children, have a much higher risk of contracting listeriosis. With a mortality rate of 25 percent, listeriosis is more deadly than salmonella and E.coli. Individuals affected with listeriosis may exhibit flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, headache, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In some cases, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system and lead to much more serious illnesses, such as meningitis. Listeriosis can also cause pregnant women to miscarry or deliver prematurely. Currently, federal officials have not reported any miscarriages or premature deliveries associated with the listeria outbreak.

Because it can take up to two months for a person to develop symptoms after being exposed to the bacteria, it can be difficult to identify what food caused the illness. To prevent a foodborne illness such as listeriosis, the CDC recommends that raw fruits and vegetables be washed thoroughly with water, and that utensils used to cut raw fruits or vegetables be washed with soap and water. For more recommendations on how to prevent listeriosis or other foodborne illnesses, visit the CDC website.

For information on the Jensen Farms cantaloupe recall, which was issued September 14, 2011, visit the Food and Drug Administration website. The FDA is advising consumers to contact Jensen Farms directly at (800) 267-4561 with questions regarding the recall. If you or a loved one contracted a foodborne illness as a result of consuming contaminated foods, do not hesitate to contact a California foodborne illness lawyer immediately.