Additional Listeria Outbreak Cases Confirmed In Oklahoma

Russell Hulstine, NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There are now 11 cases of listeriosis confirmed in Oklahoma related to cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms from the Rocky Ford, Colorado growing region.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health says one death has occurred in Oklahoma connected to this outbreak.

In a news release, the OSDH says it is possible that new cases of the disease may still occur since the health effects may not appear for as long as 70 days after eating contaminated cantaloupe.

9/16/2011 Related Story: Listeria Outbreak Kills 1, Sickens 6 In Oklahoma

Listeriosis is particularly severe for the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

State officials recommend that all Oklahomans do not eat recalled cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms. The recalled cantaloupes were shipped from Jensen Farms from July 29, 2011 through September 10, 2011 and are linked to a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis.

Officials say only cantaloupe produced by Jensen Farms has been associated with this outbreak; cantaloupe produced by other sources is safe to eat.

The incubation period for listeriosis averages three weeks, but can be as long as 70 days. The symptoms depend on the person infected.