Health News
US listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe blamed in 13 deaths
Sep 28, 2011, 15:16 GMT
Washington - At least 13 people have died in the United States in a cantaloupe-linked outbreak of the bacterial disease listeriosis, according to government medical investigators.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday confirmed at least 13 deaths in eight states and 72 people sickened in 18 states in the outbreak, which was tied to a Colorado farm's now-recalled melons.
The Denver Post reported Wednesday that at least three additional deaths were suspected.
The elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes the disease.
Listeriosis is a rare and serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria, and whose symptoms include fever and muscle aches.
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