5 people have been killed and over two dozen individuals have been sickened after consuming commercially wrapped up caramel apples.
The people have been sickened by Listeria monocytogenes, a microbial infection which can result in life-threatening ailment. Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for Kids, geriatrics, pregnant women and immune-compromised patients. One such risky ailment is meningitis. The pathogen can originate from soil, water and feces. Listeria can contaminate eatables like vegetables, animal meat, unpasteurized milk and processed foods, for example, cheese dips and mutton.
A majority of persons (83%) reported that they have consumed caramel coated apples. The CDC has therefore until further notice urged public not to consume caramel coated apples.
The CDC said in an announcement, ‘Out of a profusion of vigilance, CDC prescribes that US purchasers don’t consume any financially commercially packaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples and in addition those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or different garnishes, until more particular direction can be given.’
The CDC has confirmed at least four of these deaths have been caused by Listeriosis. 9 of the cases were pregnancy related and involved expectant mothers or their new born babies.
The first official announcement of the Listeria outbreak related to caramel apple was from the Minnesota Department of Health. It said that 4 citizens from the state were hospitalized with infection from identical type of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The patients ranged in age from 59 to 90 and two of them died.
The only confirmed case in California ended with the death of the patient. 4 persons were sickened from the caramel apple Listeria outbreak and one patient died. However, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, Christine Mann, told Washington Post that it was unclear if the Texan patient had died of Listeria infection.
In all 28 persons have been reported sick due to listeriosis in 10 states since October. The CDC is urging consumers not to eat all forms of caramel coated apples while it investigates the outbreak.
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