On January 28, the CDC issued an update to the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak associated with prepackaged Dole salads. There are now 15 people sickened across 8 states. States affected by the outbreak include Connecticut with 1 case, Indiana with 1 case, Massachusetts with 1 case, Michigan with 4 cases, Missouri with 1 case, New Jersey with 1 case, New York with 5 cases, and Pennsylvania with 1 case. Samples from all cases were tested in the laboratory and found to be highly related. All 15 people sickened required hospitalization. One death has been reported in Michigan. Canadian health officials have also reported cases of Listeria poisoning.
Listeria monocytogenes infections, referred to as Listeriosis, can be very serious. Listeriosis usually occurs after eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms will generally appear between 3 and 70 days after infection. Symptoms of Listeria poisoning include fever, nausea, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, and muscle aches. Children, the elderly, those with HIV/AIDS, and pregnant women are at a greater risk of infection. If you or a loved one ate recalled Dole salad and begins to show the symptoms of Listeriosis, contact a medical professional.
