Listeria death toll now at 28, but will it grow?
(CBS) Listeria-tainted cantaloupes have now claimed 28 lives, and the CDC says the death toll continues to rise.
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Although a September 14 recall pulled the tainted cantaloupes off store shelves, CDC officials warned that more illnesses may still be on the way, given that two months can elapse between eating contaminated cantaloupe and developing listeriosis infection.
Deaths now have been reported in 12 states, with 133 sicknesses spanning 26 states.
People who died during the outbreak range in age from 48 to 96 years old. In addition, one pregnant woman had a miscarriage following a bout with listeriosis.
Last week, an FDA investigation determined the old, dirty equipment that's hard to clean and trapped potentially contaminated water may have contributed to the Listeria growth at Colorado cantaloupe grower Jensen Farms, CBS News reported. The investigation also found people or equipment may have inadvertently tracked in contamination from a truck parked near the farm's packing house.
The CDC recommends that consumers not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms. Consumers who are unsure where their cantaloupe came from should exercise caution.
"When in doubt, throw it out," the CDC said in a written statement.
People at high risk for listeriosis include older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immunity. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and stiff neck. The infection can be cured with antibiotics if they're given promptly.
The CDC has more on the Listeria outbreak.
