29 dead in Listeria outbreak

ATLANTA, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- At least 29 deaths have been linked to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes found in Jensen Farms cantaloupes, U.S. officials said

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 139 cases of listeria have been reported in 28 states since September, including two new cases in Nevada and Utah.

Twenty-nine deaths have been reported, as well one miscarriage by a woman who was pregnant at the time of her illness, the agency reported Monday.

The CDC says consumers should not eat Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado. The warning is especially important for older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.

The CDC said listeria bacteria can grow in the cantaloupes at room and refrigerator temperatures.

While cantaloupes that did not come from Jensen Farms are safe to eat, consumers should be certain of the source. "A cantaloupe purchased from an unknown source should be discarded: 'When in doubt, throw it out,'" the agency said in a release.