Cantaloupe outbreak could be deadliest in a decade
WASHINGTON - September 27, 2011
The Centers for Disease Control said last week that 55 illnesses
and eight deaths were linked to the outbreak. Since then, state and
local health departments in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming
have reported six additional deaths that may be linked to the
tainted fruit.
Listeria is more deadly than more well-known pathogens like
salmonella and E. coli, though those outbreaks generally cause more
illnesses. Twenty-one people died in an outbreak of listeria
poisoning in 1998 traced to contaminated hot dogs and possibly deli
meats.
Jensen Farms of Holly, Colo., recalled cantaloupes earlier this
month linked to the illnesses.
