WTF! KILLER MELONS! 18 PEOPLE DIED FROM EATING CANTALOUPES!

The death toll from an outbreak of listeria in cantaloupes has risen to 18, federal health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 100 cases of listeria from the fruit have now been reported in 20 states, and the illness continues to spread.

The two latest deaths were in Colorado and Kansas. Health officials warned the figure could rise because symptoms of listeria monocytogenes bacteria can take up to two months to manifest itself in humans.

Some authorities have also been slow to report cases.

This is the deadliest food-borne illness to strike the U.S. since 1998.

It has affected people across the nation, from North Dakota to Texas and Maryland to Idaho.

New York State has yet to report a case.

Colorado's Jensen Farms recalled its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes on Sept. 14 after the listeria outbreak was traced to the melons.

Pregnant women, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are most at risk. Anyone who does not know the source of a fruit should throw it away, officials advised.



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