U.S.: Deadly listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes kills, sickens dozens
- 13+ people killed in a deadly listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes
- 72+ people sickened by the worst outbreak in over a decade source
- » Not like E. Coli or Salmonella: While those diseases are more well-known because outbreaks happen more often, listeria is deadlier, especially for those who are elderly, pregnant or have a weakened immune system. And the disease often manifests itself in a way that makes it tough to detect immediately. “That long incubation period is a real problem,” said the CDC’s Dr. Robert Tauxe. “People who ate a contaminated food two weeks ago or even a week ago could still be falling sick weeks later.” The cantaloupes, from Colorado, were sold in 25 states between late July and early September.