20th MDG provides information on Listeria outbreak Published Oct. 5, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Michael Parrish 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Have you heard about the latest food recall involving cantaloupes? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the FDA is warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford Cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms and to throw away recalled product that may still be in their home. Jensen Farms is voluntarily recalling Rocky Ford Cantaloupe shipped from July 29 through Sept. 10. It was distributed to at least 17 states with possible further distribution. Currently, South Carolina is not affected but our neighbor to the north (North Carolina) has been. The recalled cantaloupes have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria and may be linked to a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis. The CDC reports that at least 22 people in seven states have been infected with the outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes as of Sept. 14. Patients reported eating whole cantaloupes they purchased from grocery stores marketed from the Rocky Ford growing region of Colorado. While all people are susceptible to Listeria, older adults, persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at particular risk. What are the symptoms of Listeriosis? Listeriosis is a rare and serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria called Listeria. Persons who think they might have become ill should consult their doctor. A person with listeriosis usually has fever and muscle aches. Who is at risk? Listeriosis can be fatal, especially in certain high-risk groups. These groups include older adults, people with compromised immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions (such as cancer), and unborn babies and newborns. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious illness or death in newborn babies, though the mother herself rarely becomes seriously ill. What do consumers need to do? Consumers should not eat Rocky Ford Cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms and should immediately discard the recalled cantaloupes in the trash in a sealed container so that children and animals, such as wildlife, cannot access them. Consumers who are concerned about illness from Listeria monocytogenes should consult their healthcare professionals. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Health at 803-895-6193. For more information: CDC Investigation on multi-state listeriosis outbreak: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/listeriosis/outbreak.html4 Listeria page on FS.gov: http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/index.html5 Produce Safety page on FDA: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm1142996