The CDC announced that as of this morning a total of 22 persons infected with the outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 7 states. All illnesses started on or after August 15, 2011. The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: Colorado (12), Indiana (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (4), Oklahoma (1), Texas (2), and West Virginia (1). Listeriosis illnesses in several other states are currently being investigated by state and local health departments to determine if they are part of this outbreak. Two deaths have been reported, one in Colorado and one in New Mexico.
Laboratory testing by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified Listeria monocytogenes bacteria on cantaloupes collected from grocery stores and from an ill person’s home. Product traceback information from Colorado state officials indicated these cantaloupes also came from Jensen Farms.