The outbreak of Cantaloupe Listeria killed 16 people in Washington according to a recent tally. On Sunday, it was reported that 55 people were already affected and 8 deaths were recorded.

The number of deaths was doubled immediately and more deaths can be expected when the cases are not handled well. The tainted fruit was said to affect different states like Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska.

It was predicted by the experts that number of cases will continue to rise in the next few weeks. "That long incubation period is a real problem," said Dr. Robert Tauxe from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "People who ate a contaminated food two weeks ago or even a week ago could still be falling sick weeks later."

Despite the increasing number of deaths caused by this epidemic, most people still want to know more about Listeria and its treatment. This type of bacteria is even more deadly compared to Salmonella and E.Coli.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a monocytogenes bacterium that is commonly found in stream water, soil, plants, sewage, and food. Unlike Salmonella and E.Coli, Listeria rarely affects humans.

Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated by the soil and animals are also the usual carriers. In fact, research shows that most animals are unaffected carriers. The bacteria can also be obtained from uncooked vegetables, meats, and unpasteurized milk.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, is a rare but lethal food borne disease. The case fatality rate of this type of infection can reach 25% or ¼ of the people affected by the infection. Symptoms start from fever, diarrhea, and muscle pain. But severe infections can have more symptoms like headaches, convulsions, meningitis, and can lead to death.

Healthy people exposed to bacteria can only have minor or no symptoms. But few people specifically the pregnant females, elderly, newborns, or anyone with compromised immune system can have more diseases like meningitis and bran abscesses.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is normally based on the patient’s history and physical exams. The first thing that physicians consider is the exposure of the patient to contaminated food or an outbreak of Listeriosis on the area. Culture of Listeria on blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or amniotic fluid can confirm the disease.

Infection caused by Listeria can be treated in seven days especially if prevented. Patients with higher risk can have immediate IV antibiotic treatment to halt or stop the development of more diseases.

But in general, the length of treatment for this kind of disease depends on the severity of the infection. Patients with meningitis or brain abscesses can be treated in three weeks to one month. The main antibiotic for the disease is IV ampicillin.

However, the treatment for this type of infection should be individualized for better results. To prevent Listoriosis, make sure that food is properly cooked and fluids should be treated or pasteurized.

It is also important to stay away from contaminated animal and human waste. Observe cleanliness and proper hygiene and seek professional help once symptoms are experienced.