Cantaloupe Outbreak in Wyoming: Laramie County Man Diagnosed with Listeriosis
A Wyoming listeriosis case is likely part of the Rocky Ford cantaloupe outbreak that includes 53 confirmed or possible cases and as many as seven deaths in a dozen states, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.
“After reviewing this case, we believe it is likely part of the current listeria outbreak,” Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health said in a statement.
The listeriosis case is a Laramie County man who had exposure to cantaloupe prior to his illnesses, public health officials said. The outbreak has been linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado.
“We are recommending that Wyoming residents not eat “Rocky Ford” cantaloupe shipped from this farm. A recall is underway of this product, but consumers may already have them in their homes,” Murphy said in the statement.
The FDA is also warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms which is voluntarily recalling the Rocky Ford cantaloupe it shipped from July 29 through September 10, 2011, because it potentially may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis.
Listeriosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.
Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC. Pregnant women typically experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
The cantaloupes are packed in cartons labeled: Frontera Produce, www.fronteraproduce.com or with Frontera Produce, Rocky Ford Cantaloupes. Both cartons also include: Grown and packed by Jensen Farms Granada, CO and Shipped by Frontera Produce LTD, Edinburg, Texas.
“We realize it may be tough for consumers to determine if a particular cantaloupe in their home is potentially affected,” Murphy said. “We suggest people should not take any chances because listeriosis can be serious and life-threatening for some. If you’re not sure it is safe, don’t eat it.”
Listeria attorneys at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a nationally recognized leader in food safety law, can answer legal questions about illnesses that are part of this outbreak. Contact them for a free consultation. They are experts in listeriosis and have won dozens of cases an millions of dollars for their clients.
