Two deaths blamed on Listeria poisoning in Denver, no food source ID’d

At least two deaths in Denver have been blamed on Listeria poisoning, according to KMGH-TV, and health authorities are still looking for the source of the bacteria.

Three cases of Listeriosis have been reported in Denver and two of the victims have already died. The first report of Listeria poisoning was reported on May 20. According to the report, all three victims of the outbreak are Latin American, but no food or other source has been identified.

Listeria is one of the most serious forms of food poisoning and is most commonly found in under-pasteurized dairy products like soft cheeses and raw milk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reiterated guidelines it published a few years ago regarding the consumption of deli meats, another common harbor for Listeria bacteria. The CDC said all deli meats, especially those consumed by the elderly, should be “steam-heated” before they’re eaten to kill any food-borne bacteria, namely Listeria monocytogenes.

Pregnant women are likely to suffer miscarriage or stillbirth if they contract Listeria poisoning while carrying a child. Children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are also most at risk of more serious cases of poisoning.

Early symptoms of Listeria contamination include fever, nausea, headaches, blurred vision and confusion. Many cases of Listeria poisoning require hospitalization to ensure symptoms don’t worsen.