Contaminated cantaloupe has been identified as the cause of a listeria outbreak that has sickened 12 and killed one, according to new sources.
The outbreak thus far is limited to Colorado, Texas, and Nebraska, with the majority of illness taking place in Colorado, including the instance of death.
Listeriosis is caused by an organism that infects the gastrointestinal system. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk if exposed to the bacteria.
Symptoms of listeriosis include headache, nausea, diarrhea, fever, confusion, stiffness of the neck, loss of balance, and convulsions.
A specific brand of cantaloupes was not linked to the outbreak. Cantaloupes can be difficult to clean because they easily harbor bacteria in their skin. Be sure to clean cantaloupes well before consuming.
As a product defect lawyer, I know that there many rules and regulations that most food and product manufacturers must abode by. Even so, mistakes can and will be made. Our Los Angeles personal injury law firm hopes that you or your loved will not be affected by these cantaloupes. If you or anyone you know has been affected by listeriosis we encourage them to seek medical attention right away so things do not get any worse.