Nine cases were reported during August, with seven of the nine cases reported since. Colorado has only about 10 cases of listeriosis a year.
This investigation is in its early stages and the source of the outbreak isn’t known. Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist at the state health department, said: “People who are at high risk for Listeria infection can decrease their risk by avoiding hot dogs and deli meats, refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood and soft cheeses such as brie, unless they’re made with pasteurised milk.”
People who are at high risk for Listeria include people with weakened immune systems from transplants or certain chronic diseases, immunosuppressive therapies or medications and pregnant women.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal infection.
Source: CDPHE
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