Listeria Outbreak Escalating

Cases in Listeria outbreak escalating 
Those at high risk for listeriosis are being asked not to consume cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado. The Listeria outbreak has sickened at least 72 people across 18 states and killed at least 13 people.

Listeria Outbreak

The following press release from CDPHE includes the latest information about the ongoing listeria outbreak that has been traced to Rock Ford cantaloupe.  In light of media coverage CDPHE has heard from several school districts about the service of cantaloupe in schools.  Unless a school knows definitely that the cantaloupes they have have not been implicated in the current outbreak, (i.e., they are not from the Rocky Ford region) it is strongly recommended that they not be served in schools at this time. 

Rocky Ford cantaloupe linked to Listeria outbreak

DENVER – Today, Dr. Chris Urbina, chief medical officer and executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said, “People at high risk for Listeria infection should not eat cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford growing region. The department expects additional test results later this week that may help identify the specific source of the cantaloupe linked to the multistate outbreak.”

People who are at high risk for listeriosis are people age 60 and older; those with weakened immune systems from transplants or certain chronic diseases, immunosuppressive therapies or medications; and pregnant women. Healthy adults under age 60 rarely develop this illness.

Eleven of Colorado’s 13 listeriosis cases now are linked to the multistate outbreak. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is coordinating the multi-state investigation with affected states, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service.  Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also is working with local public health partners on the investigation.

In general, CDC guidance about Listeria advises that people can decrease their risk of Listeria infection by avoiding deli meats unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F, refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood, and soft cheeses such as queso fresco and brie unless they are made with pasteurized milk.

Consumers and food preparers should wash their hands before and after handling any melon. The surface of melons such as cantaloupes should be washed and dried with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting. Cut melon should be promptly refrigerated at less than 41 F / 5 C (32-34 F is optimal for cut melon storage.) Cut melons left at room temperature for more than four hours should be discarded.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal infection. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever and muscle aches, and also can include diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion and convulsions. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. 

Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection of a fetus. Even with prompt treatment, some Listeria infections result in death. This is particularly likely in older adults and in people with other serious medical problems.

For more information, visit the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/listeriosis/

 

New Rules

For the new regulation, go to
 http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ChildYouthFam/CBON/1251579373540
And click on:

NEW RULES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 10, 2011 for All License Types