Death toll in Listeria outbreak tied to tainted cantaloupe up to 18

A total of 18 people have died as a result of Listeria poisoning linked to contaminated cantaloupe grown in Colorado.

According to an MSNBC.com report, as many as 100 people have been confirmed as sick in the outbreak of Listeria poisoning. Victims have been reported in 20 different states and many have been forced to seek hospitalization for treatment.

Federal health officials believe this outbreak will be deadlier than a recall on contaminated hot dogs in 1998 which claimed 21 lives.

The contaminated cantaloupe was grown and distributed by Jensen Farms, a Colorado company. The company issued a full recall on its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupe on Sept. 14. It included thousands of pieces of fruit. The first reports of illness are traced back to July 31 and officials have indicated they expect to confirm cases through the month despite the fruit no longer being available on the market.  Listeria poisoning can also remain dormant for more than a month before causing any symptoms of infection.

Early signs of Listeria poisoning include stiffness in the muscles, severe joint pain, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Listeria poisoning is most dangerous to pregnant women, the elderly and children. Listeria has been attributed to stillbirth and miscarriage among pregnant women.

Most of the victims of this outbreak are over 60.