The CDC announced on January 21 that they were investigating an outbreak of Listeriosis cases associated with Dole salads. Local health officials have been working with the CDC since September 2015 after there was a spike in the number of Listeriosis cases. The outbreak was only linked to Dole after laboratory testing earlier this month. Twelve people have been sickened by Dole salads since July 5, 2015. These cases were reported from 6 different states, including Indiana with 1 case, Massachusetts with 1 case, Michigan with 4 cases, New Jersey with 1 case, New York with 4 cases, and Pennsylvania with 1 case. All twelve people have had to be hospitalized. One person from Michigan has been reported dead. The twelve people sickened range in age from 3 to 83. The CDC has reported that a majority of those sickened are women, and one cases of illness was reported in a pregnant woman.
Listeria monocytogenes infections, referred to as Listeriosis, can be very serious. Listeriosis usually occurs after eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Deli meats and dairy products are the most commonly the cause of Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks. 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 begins to show the symptoms of Listeria poisoning, contact a medical professional.
