News
El Paso County death confirmed during listeria outbreak
Posted: Sep 3, 2011 2:39 PM by Kirsten Bennett
News 5 has confirmed one of the two deaths from a listeria outbreak was in El Paso County, according to El Paso County Public Health officials.
An epidemiologist for Colorado's health department, Alicia Cronquist, said nine people were sickened during August, compared with two in a typical month. Seven of the cases were reported this week.
All the victims are adults from eight Front Range counties - Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson and Weld.
It's not known if any cases are related to a smoked salmon recall by Chicago-based Vita Food Products. Officials are talking to victims and their relatives to find out about their recent activities, including what they've been eating.
People at risk for Listeria infections, such as those over 60 and pregnant women, are urged to avoid deli meat and soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk.
As Seen On News 5
