Listeria Outbreak Cantaloupe. Colorado health officials have linked nine recent cases of Listeria infection, including at least one death, to the consumption of cantaloupe but no specific source has been identified, officials announced Friday.

The outbreak now includes cases in Texas and Nebraska.

On average, Colorado has roughly 10 cases of listeriosis a year. The nine cases have all been reported in August and September in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld and El Paso counties, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment said.

The patients range in age from the 30s to the 90s. The majority are female.

All of the patients in Colorado were hospitalized and two died, but only one case has been linked to the multi-state outbreak.

“While the investigation into the source of the Listeria outbreak is continuing, it is prudent for people who are at high risk for Listeria infection to avoid consumption of cantaloupe,” said Dr. Chris Urbina, chief medical officer and executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

People can decrease their risk of Listeria infection by:

* Avoiding deli meats unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F
* Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads
* Refrigerated smoked seafood and soft cheeses such as queso fresco and brie unless they are made with pasteurized milk


Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever and muscle aches, and also can include diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion and convulsions.

Listeriosis also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

People who are at high risk for listeriosis include those age 60 and older; people with weakened immune systems from transplants or certain chronic diseases, immunosuppressive therapies or medications; and pregnant women.



Healthy adults rarely develop this illness, health officials said.

Source: kdvr