Listeria Outbreak Kills 1, Sickens 6 In Oklahoma

Robert Garrison, NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed at least one Oklahoman has died and six have been hospitalized from a listeria outbreak related to cantaloupe.

The department has not released information on where the cases are in Oklahoma. Its investigating additional cases.

All of the Oklahoma cases are over the age of sixty. The disease is more severe for elderly, pregnant woman and people with compromised immune systems.

The tainted cantaloupe was traced back to Jenson Farms in Rock Ford, Colorado, which is voluntarily recalling the produce.

The recalled cantaloupes were shipped from July 29 through September 10 and are potentially linked to a multi-state outbreak.

Recommendations for consumers: Recalled cantaloupes may still be in grocery stores and in consumers' homes.

• OSDH recommends that persons at high risk for listeriosis, including older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, not eat cantaloupes shipped by Jensen Farms. A label on the cantaloupe will have the Jensen Farm brand.

• Consumers who have cantaloupes in their homes can check the label or inquire at the store where they purchased it to determine if the fruit was marketed as coming from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado.

• Cantaloupes marketed as coming from Jensen Farms should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can. This will prevent people or animals from eating them.

9/13/2011 Related Story: State Health Department Warns Of Melons Linked To Deadly Listeria Outbreak