Listeria Monocytogenes: Deadliest Outbreak from Cantaloupe

Thirteen individuals have now died from consuming bacteria-tainted cantaloupe in what is now the deadliest outbreak of a food-borne illness since 1998, according to records in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The outbreak, blamed around the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes — was initial reported September 12, when the CDC mentioned 15 people in 4 states had been infected. The illnesses were traced to consumption of Rocky Ford cantaloupes grown at Jensen Farms’ fields in Granada, Colorado.

As of Monday morning, the latest statistics obtainable, it had grown to 18 states, 72 illnesses and 13 deaths, in accordance with the CDC.

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What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to CNN, isteria monocytogenes is a “hardy” bacterium which is resistant to severe hot and cold. This bacterium is pathogenic – meaning that it is infectious to humans, causing the illness listeriosis.

But how did it get inside of cantaloupes?

Cantaloupes along with other fruits with porous surfaces can become infected by listeria when soil and/or water seeps through their skin. Any bacterium that remains around the outdoors may be transferred in the shell to the within when the fruit is sliced open by a knife or handled.

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

The early symptoms of listeriosis are comparable to these in the flu with nausea, muscle aches along with a higher fever. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea could also seem. The length of time in between infection as well as the look of symptoms is unknown.