Listeria Outbreak: Cantaloupe Death Toll Rises to 28
Infected Cantaloupes Kills Those With Weak Immune Systems
The listeria outbreak originally found in Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes from Jensen Farms has now taken the lives of 28 people across the U.S. and reports indicate that the death toll is likely to rise as more cases filter through.
On Oct. 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a letter to Jensen Farms, located in Granada, Colo., warning the packing plant that such a widespread outbreak “indicates poor sanitary practices in the facility.” The Rocky Ford Cantaloupes were purchased by major chain grocery stores across the United States. The produce company, which boasts pesticide-free products, has voluntarily recalled the fruit.
The outbreak began in mid-August, affecting a total of 133 people in 26 states.
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This listeria outbreak is the most devastating food borne illness attack in 25 years, and is considered very rare.
“We have to continue [eating fruits and vegetables], and remember that [the outbreaks] are very unusual events," Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Tennessee, told the Los Angeles Times.
The bacterial agent, which is responsible for Listeriosis, Listeria Monocytogenes, is the leading cause of death due to food borne illness in the U.S., before Salmonella and Clostridium Botulinum.
Those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant, or newly born, are at especially high risk for contracting the illness. The Center for Disease Control is recommending that anyone with these high risk factors avoid eating the fruit.
The CDC reported that most people killed by the bacteria were over the age of 60.
Listeriosis is the third leading cause of meningitis in newborns. Those with a healthy immune system are highly unlikely to fall ill due to the infection.
According to the CDC, one woman reported having a miscarriage after eating the infected fruit.
Symptoms are similar to those of the flu, along with confusion, diarrhea and possible convulsions. The bacteria can be detected through a spinal fluid or blood test.
The Listeria bacteria is found in soil, water and animals. It can infect raw foods, such as vegetables and fruits, along with processed meats, soft cheeses, seafood, and unpasteurized milk.
Although Listeria is usually found in animals products, it has been found in other fresh produce cases, such as sprouts in 2009 and fresh cut celery in 2010.
Listeriosis proves especially dangerous because it can grow in foods at room temperature or refrigerated. The Center for Disease Control suggested that buyers throw away any potentially infected food.
Another way to avoid potential infection of fresh produce is to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.
Salmonella Panama was also detected in Cantaloupe in March 2011.
