Washington, September 28: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that since July, two people have died from listeriosis in Colorado, four in New Mexico, two in Texas and one each in Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, Denver Post reported on Tuesday.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it had found Listeria monocytogenes, in the samples of melons taken from a Denver-based farm, called Jensen Farms.
Jensen Farms has recalled all of its Rocky Ford melons since September 14 in response to the outbreak.
So far, there have been 72 illnesses in 18 US states, including 15 in Colorado.
The FDA has advised consumers not to consume melons until it becomes clear how the melons have been infected.
Listeria is a common kind of bacteria found in soil, water, dying plants and animal manure.
It can cause fever, diarrhea and other relative minor problems in healthy adults, but can be fatal to the elderly, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
In 1998 and 1999, listeria caused 14 deaths, and four miscarriages or stillbirths. That outbreak was attributed to contaminated hot dogs and deli meats.
—–Agencies