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The latest listeria outbreak is the deadliest in decades, says the CDC. So far 13 people have died out of 72 infections that were discovered in 18 states. The outbreak has resulted in a recall of cantelopes and most recent, romaine lettuce. However, the source of the contamination is still unknown! The CDC does indicate that the contamination could be from factory farm runoff and bad farming practices though. The worst part is, in some states the outbreak cannot be connected to cantaloupe as being the source. The number of people infected is expected to rise because it can take up to two months for the symptoms of listeria to make a presence.

The media is making this bacterial outbreak into a nationwide panic which has caused the cantaloupe industry to lose millions of dollars. Cantaloupe is a healthy food, and like with many foods, outbreaks of food poisoning happens from time to time. Maybe these facts will put many minds at ease. Listeria is a bacteria that comes from animals which usually spreads through the soil and water. It is not as common or well known like salmonella and E. coli is, however listeria is more deadly. People with compromised immune systems and the elderly are more at risk for the illness than others. Listeria will kill one in five people that contract the deadly bacteria. Younger people usually suffer a mild illness or none at all. The median age of listeria cases have been with people over 70 years old. Only 1 in one million people are infected with it annually, which can be treated with antibiotics.