Last week we reported on an outbreak of Listeria related to cantaloupes; at that time, reported listeria diagnosis were contained to 3 states. Now, two people have died, two other deaths are being investigated and at least 22 people across 7 states have become ill after consuming cantaloupes distributed by Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado. Steps have been taken to help with prevention of further contamination.
The 7 states in which people have been infected thus far, according to the CDC include Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia. The cantaloupes were also distributed to Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
This past week, over 300,000 cases of cantaloupe were voluntarily recalled by Jensen Farm’s due to potential Listeria contamination. According to owner Eric Jensen, “It really comes — it’s really personal to us. It’s deeply troublesome for us”. This was reported to ABC News after a couple filed suit against the farm. Charles and Tammy Palmer of Colorado are the first to file suit, after Charles Palmer was rushed to the hospital around the first of September, paralyzed and unable to speak. It was determined that he was suffering acute Listeria food poisoning symptoms, which include nausea, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and more.
Two people, one in Colorado and one in New Mexico, have died after consuming the tainted cantaloupes. The Palmers purchased the cantaloupe that led to Charles Palmer’s illness at a local Walmart store.
Chris Urbina, Colorado’s chief medical officer stated on September 16th that the strain of bacteria found in the cantaloupe samples taken from Jensen Farms matched that of the 12 cases of infection in the state. He also said that other farms in the Colorado Rocky Ford melon region were tested, and that no Listeria bacteria turned up at those farms.
While most cases of Listeria food poisoning produce only mild symptoms, those at an increased risk for complications may become severely or even fatally ill, requiring listeria treatment or hospitalization.
The New York food poisoning lawyers at Brown Chiari urge those who have become ill after eating suspect foods to contact our office. We represent the rights of those who have become sickened after consuming foods possibly tainted with Listeria and other bacteria.
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