Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ice Cream Products

 Posted on March 17, 2015 in Food Poisoning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections at a hospital in Kansas resulting in three deaths to date. Local and state officials, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the outbreak in which five people contracted listeriosis, a form of food poisoning caused by the Listeria monoctyogenes bacterium.

Preliminary reports from the CDC indicate that all five infected patients were hospitalized at the same facility for unrelated reasons prior to “developing invasive listeriosis – a finding that strongly suggests their infections were acquired in the hospital.” The CDC also determined that at least four of the five had consumed a particular brand of ice cream products while in the hospital.

Subsequent testing of the manufacturer's products obtained in South Carolina and Texas found Listeria strains in several different ice cream products. The manufacturer has reported that the contaminated products have been pulled from the market, but previously sold products “may still be in the freezers of consumers, institutions, and retailers.”

Identifying and Treating Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a very serious infection which typically affects those with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, pregnant women, and older adults. Primary symptoms include fever and muscle aches, and may be accompanied by diarrhea or gastrointestinal issues. Headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion and convulsions may develop among those infected as well.

While symptoms may take up 70 days to appear, most patients begin to feel the effects infection within a month. Diagnosis of listeriosis requires blood or spinal fluid tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Several antibiotics are known to be effecting in treating listeriosis, but even with treatment the infection can be fatal.

If you or someone you love has contracted listeriosis or any other illness related to the consumption of contaminated food products, you may be eligible to collect damages. Contact an experienced Arlington Heights personal injury attorney for a consultation today and get the qualified representation you deserve.