Blog #7: Infected Food Causes Deadly Reminder

Death toll from tainted cantaloupes rises to 23

In the United States, the worst food-borne illness outbreak since 1998 is occurring from coast to coast. With 23 deaths linked to tainted cantaloupes recorded across the midwest and into the western part of the country, there is potential for hundreds of deaths to result from this food borne killer. The bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, can easily infiltrate the body and cause serious harm to the immune system. This bacteria, which can take up to 2 months to be activated in a persons stomach, can cause very life-threatening symptoms months after the food product is consumed. In the United States, this bacteria has killed 23 people, all being primarily elderly patients and pregnant women. The company in charge of distribution of the product, Jensen Farms, has issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes all across the United States. With the Department of Disease Control stepping in, the CDC issued a severe statement explaining that the bacteria cannot be washed off and should be disposed of immediately. This bacteria is very harmful and is caused by an inadequate use of pesticides on the product.

This event is a major global health problem because it brings back the notion that pesticide use is vital in the growing of fruits on the basis that they stop the spread of bacteria like Listeria Monocytogenes. With this bacteria causing the most threat to older people, pregnant women and anyone with a suppressed immune system, many people in 3^rd world countries around the world could potentially be at risk for acquiring this disease. Even though none of these cantaloupes were exported to other countries, there is still risk of the bacteria infecting the crop somewhere else in the world.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/12/health/cantaloupe-deaths/index.html?hpt=he_c2