Cantaloupe in the U.S. contain bacteria, 13 Killed

At least 13 people were killed and 72 others decreased body condition due to the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in the United States. Outbreaks are mentioned most deadly for decades is thought to originate from contaminated cantaloupe Colorado.

Reporting from the BBC page, Wednesday, September 28, 2011, allegedly contaminated cantaloupe came from a plantation in the town of Holly. In the plantations, the bacteria Listeria is also found in the equipment and packing machines.

Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still investigating how the contamination could occur. Meanwhile, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention USA (CDC) has warned the toll could have been increased, because the symptoms of poisoning do not appear immediately.

"The incubation period is actually the main problem. People who consume contaminated fruits for two weeks or a week ago could still feel pain until many weeks later," said Robert Tauxe of the CDC.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause the disease listeriosis. These bacteria are commonly found in soil, where they consume dead plant matter. When consumed, the bacteria change their properties and are able to enter cells. Except if it could be controlled by an immune response, they can enter the bloodstream.

If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, the toxins can result in very serious listeria. Can enter the brain and nervous system, causing disability and even death. But the most dangerous listeria-contaminated food consumed by pregnant women, because it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature, or cause of death in newborns.

Symptoms of this bacterium infected usually begins with fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. The symptoms may look like the usual symptoms. And usually the symptoms will occur several days after eating contaminated food. However, it could also take up to two months.

Individuals who are most vulnerable to outbreaks of Listeria bacteria are seniors and people with weak body resistance. In fact, the average age of victims of Listeria outbreaks was 78 years old.

The CDC said there were about 800 cases of Listeria in the U.S. each year. Since July 2011, already 18 states that reported an outbreak of Listeria, with casualties falling in Texas, New Mexico, and Maryland.

FDA and CDC have called on people to immediately discard cantaloupe contaminated with Listeria immediately suspected. If any portion of the fruit is on the surface of the skin, should be cleaned immediately.

Related Post