According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of Thursday, September 29, up to 16 people have perished and 72 have fallen ill across 18 states in what is being called the deadliest outbreak of food-borne disease in a decade.

The Listeriosis infections have been linked to cantaloupes from a farm in Colorado. Listeria is transmitted to humans via ruminant animal sources such as livestock cattle, and is usually traced to foods such as cheeses, deli meats, milk, chicken and shellfish.

With fruits and vegetables that can become contaminated with from the soil or manure fertilizer, investigators stated that they are looking at the possibility that animal intrusion may have caused the outbreak, and they are also checking water quality.

The contaminated cantaloupes have been recalled since early September, but Listeriosis can appear up to two months after consuming contaminated products.

We are deeply saddened by the lives lost to this disease and we pray for the quick recovery of those afflicted.
With Heaven's mercy, may such illnesses subside as humanity fosters a society of kindness and respect among all beings.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/09/20119280576360214.html
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/201556.html
http://www.thirdage.com/news/listeria-deaths-rise-to-16-due-to-tainted-cantaloupe_09-28-2011