Listeriosis Cases Mount in Kansas
Health officials are awaiting test results to determine whether eight cases of listeriosis in Kansas, including two people who died, are part of the multistate cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that has sickened at least 55 people in 14 states, eight of whom have died.
Six cases of listeriosis in Kansas were reported August 26, two more were reported September 16 and 20. Kansas usually reports fewer than six cases of listeriosis per year; so far in 2011 there have been nine cases, including the eight cases currently under investigation. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Listeria isolated from patients to identify cases that may be part of this outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak has been traced to cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo., which is recalling cantaloupe it shipped throughout the country between July 29 and September 10.
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. The incubation period can be as long as 70 days, so it could be mid-November before someone who ate tainted cantaloupe becomes ill.
PritzkerOlsen. P.A., a nationally recognized leader in food safety law has launched an investigation of this outbreak, monitoring Listeria cases in every state as the outbreak spreads. Contact them for a free consultation.
Source: http://www.kdheks.gov/news/web_archives/2011/09202011a.htm
