- There have been 72 reported infections in a total of 18 U.S. states
- Reports of illness started on or around August 15.
- Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium, is among the most virulent food-borne pathogens.
Cantaloupes contaminated with listeria monocytogenes are blamed for 13 deaths so far. Click to enlarge this image.
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Cantaloupes grown in Colorado have been linked to a outbreak of listeria monocytogenes that has killed 13 people and infected dozens more, according to US health authorities.
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The whole cantaloupes were from Jensen farms which has recalled its Rocky Ford brand of cantaloupes grown in Granada, Colorado, said the Atlanta, Georgia-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To date, deaths have been reported across much of the country in the case: two in Colorado; one in Kansas; one in Maryland; one in Missouri; one in Nebraska, four in New Mexico, one in Oklahoma, and two in Texas, the CDC said in a statement.
They were among the total 72 reported infections in a total of 18 U.S. states, the CDC added.
The illnesses started on or around August 15, the statement added.
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium, is an agent that causes listeriosis, and is among the most virulent food-borne pathogens.
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The New York Times, called the case the deadliest outbreak of food-borne illness in a decade.
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