CDC Cantaloupe Listeria Update: 100 People with Listeriosis, 18 Fatal Cases

The CDC released its updated numbers on the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak linked to Jensen Farms cantaloupe grown in Colorado. Our attorneys are investigating the outbreak for victims and families throughout the United States. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation regarding a cantaloupe lawsuit.

A total of 100 persons infected with any of the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported to CDC from 20 states. All illnesses started on or after July 31, 2011. The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1) California (1), Colorado (30), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Kansas (7), Maryland (1), Missouri (3), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (13), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (11), Texas (14), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (2).

Eighteen deaths have been reported: 5 in Colorado, 2 in Kansas, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Missouri, 1 in Nebraska, 5 in New Mexico, 1 in Oklahoma, and 2 in Texas. Additional listeriosis deaths may be part of the outbreak. Our attorneys are investigating some of these cases.

Although Jensen Farms issued a voluntary recall of Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes on September 14 and the recalled cantaloupe should be off store shelves, more ill persons may be reported because of the time lag between diagnosis and laboratory confirmation and also because up to 2 months can elapse between eating contaminated food and developing listeriosis.

CDC recommends that consumers not eat Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupe from Jensen Farms. This is especially important for older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria bacteria, can cause encephalitis, meningitis, sepsis (septicemia) and death. Often those who survive had permanent brain damage.

Share and Enjoy: