The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the contaminated apples have so far sickened nearly 30 people

Dec 20, 2014 07:59 GMT  ·  By

Just yesterday, health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US announced that the country was dealing with a Listeria outbreak and that evidence indicated that its source was prepackaged caramel apples.

In a statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention details that infections with the Listeria monocytogenes infection can prove deadly. Hence, people should, for the time being at least, keep away from commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples.

Nearly 30 people have so far been infected

Information shared with the public says that, as of December 18, a total of 28 cases of people infected with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria have been reported in as many as 10 states, i.e. California, Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, Missouri, Utah, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington.

Of these people, 26 had to be hospitalized and 5 developed medical complications that ultimately led to their death. Health officials say that, of these 5 deaths, 4 have until now been directly linked to the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

It is understood that, of the people to have so far been affected by this outbreak, 9 are pregnant women or newborn infants. What's more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that, following exposure to this bacteria, 3 children between the ages of 5 and 15 are now battling meningitis.

Specialists explain that, although this bacteria is commonly found in soil and water, it can sometimes contaminate foods. People who come to be infected with it develop symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, even diarrhea and other gastrointestinal tract issues.

In some cases, the bacteria can work its way into a patient's brain and cause the inflammation of the membranes that cover and protect this organ. This condition is known as meningitis and can prove deadly. People who have a weak immune system are the ones most likely to develop this illness.

Caramel apples are the most likely culprits

Health officials say that, having interviewed several of these patients, they found that, prior to falling ill, 83% of them consumed commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Hence, it is now believed that these food products are to blame for the Listeria outbreak.

However, health officials are yet to determine exactly which products are contaminated and issue a recall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that an investigation is ongoing and that it is only a matter of time until more information becomes available.

“The information CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak,” reads a statement on the matter at hand.

Furthermore, “Investigators are working quickly to determine specific brands or types of commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples that may be linked to illnesses and to identify the source of contamination.”

As mentioned, health officials ask that, until the outbreak is contained and its source pinned down, people do not eat caramel apple products. They further explain that, for the time being at least, there is no reason to suspect that caramel candy or apples that are not caramel-coated and not prepackaged might be a threat to public health.

Caramel apples linked to Listeria outbreak in the US (5 Images)

Caramel apples blamed for Listeria outbreak in the US
The bacteria has so far infected 28 people in 10 statesListeria usually lives in soil and water
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