Outbreak Summary
The CDC has announced that a long-simmering outbreak of Listeria illnesses has been linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines distributed nationwide and sold at retail stores as individual pieces of fruit or in consumer packaging such as two-pound bags. According to the recall notice, the tainted fruit was sold at retail between May 1 and November 15, 2022 and between May 1 and November 15, 2023.
Listeria outbreaks sometimes take years to solve, and that is the case here. The earliest illnesses in this outbreak occurred in August of 2018, and the most recent confirmed illness was in August of 2023. At least 11 people are known to have been sickened by the strain of Listeria involved in this outbreak, ten of whom were hospitalized. Tragically, at least one person has died.
Our Listeria Lawyers have represented many people poisoned in Listeria outbreaks. For example, we were recently retained by several people sickened in a Listeria outbreak linked to ice cream, including a pregnant woman who lost her baby. We are actively investigating this outbreak and talking to those affected. If you or a loved one became sick with a Listeria infection after eating the recalled fruit, please contact us using the form above for a free consultation.
More Details
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually contracted from food contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. Anyone can contract this bacterial infection, but pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. According to the CDC, Listeriosis causes a fetal loss in about 20% of cases. Newborns can also suffer a life-threatening infection. The CDC reports newborn death occurs in about 3% of cases. When a pregnant woman notices the symptoms of Listeriosis, it is important to seek medical care immediately to protect the pregnancy.
Individuals with weak immune systems and the elderly are more likely to develop severe infections in the bloodstream or brain, which can be fatal. Listeriosis can also affect other parts of the body, including the bones and joints.
Severe Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment of severe symptoms is important and dramatically reduces the risk of more severe complications.
Listeriosis symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person. In less serious cases, the infection may remain in the gut and cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, however the Listeria bacteria will spread beyond the gut, This is known as invasive listeriosis. When Listeria spreads to the nervous system, individuals can experience:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care right away. These can be signs of bacterial meningitis, which can cause severe complications, disabilities, and death.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers is a national food safety law firm and offers free consultations to anybody potentially impacted by this outbreak. Listeria lawyers Ryan Osterholm and Brendan Flaherty have represented people sickened by Listeria throughout the country, and can your questions and help you pursue compensation.