Listeria Canatalope Cases in Texas
Texas Listeria cases average about 44 per year. There have been 20 reported cases in the Lone Star state so far in 2011 and at least two of them are linked by scientific evidence to Colorado cantaloupe from Jensen Farms -- distributed by Frontera Produce.
Listeria outbreak attorney Fred Pritzker is in contact with victims of the multi-state cantaloupe Listeria outbreak and is preparing for a cantaloupe lawsuit. His firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in foodborne illness litigation and his record includes a $6 million Listeria lawsuit settlement in a difficult wrongful death situation with multiple victims.
Texas is one of seven states currently identified by CDC as part of the Colorado cantaloupe outbreak that has killed at least two people and sickened at least 22. The other states are Nebraska, Oklahoma, Indiana, New Mexico and West Virginia. News reports also cite a Wyoming Listeria case that could be part of the outbreak.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says that both Texas cases – one in North Texas and one in Southeast Texas – were hospitalized. Texas authorities are collaborating with the CDC, FDA and health officials in other states to investigate.
Jensen Farms cantaloupes were recalled this week, but Pritzker is warning families to be aware of a delay in symptoms. With the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, an infection may not produce symptoms for many days. Symptoms of fever and muscle aches often are preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Pregnant women: Pregnant women typically experience only a mild, flu-like illness. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
