The cantaloupes that the Food and Drug Administration linked the recent multi-state listeriosis outbreak with have caused a sharp rise in already high numbers of illness, with reports of 55 illnesses and eight deaths in 14 states, according to news sources.
Yesterday, news sources reported four fatalities and 35 people sickened.
The recalled cantaloupes are from Jensen Farms in Colorado. They are Rocky Ford-region brand. The recall was issued on September 14 and has affected at least 17 states.
According to a report today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those sickened include 14 in Colorado, 10 in New Mexico, nine in Texas, eight in Oklahoma, four in Nebraska, and one in Wyoming, West Virginia, Montana, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois and California. States with fatalities include four in New Mexico, two in Colorado, one in Maryland and one in Oklahoma.
Health investigators have determined that the illnesses began on August 4th. The victims have an average age of 78.
Listeriosis is a food-borne illness that is contracted from the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It is especially dangerous to young children, the elderly, pregnant women and their unborn child, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health officials warn that illnesses could still occur, as listeriosis can be developed up to two months after the bacteria is consumed.
As a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, consumer health is something that I am very conscious of. I know that even though food manufacturers are required to follow strict rules and regulations, mistakes are still common. I encourage anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of listeriosis to seek immediate medical attention. The product liability lawyer at our law firm sincerely hopes that no one else will be sickened by the contaminated cantaloupe.
