8 Death from contaminated cantaloupes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has confirmed an eighth death from listeria-contaminated cantaloupes grown in Colorado. The CDC said the death occurred in Maryland but did not identify the victim, The Washington Post reported Thursday. In addition to the deaths, 55 people have been sickened by cantaloupes produced at Jensen Farms in Colorado and a recall is in effect. Four deaths have been reported in New Mexico, two in Colorado and one in Oklahoma. Listeria thrives in cool temperatures and usually infects deli meats, hot dogs and soft cheeses, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials said. The CDC said the eight deaths are the highest number related to food contamination since tainted peanuts were linked to nine deaths in 2008, and warned the death toll could go higher as other cases are investigated.