The caramel apple Listeria outbreak has spread to an 11th state, Nevada. One person from Nevada is among the 32 people who contracted Listeria infections after eating contaminated, prepackaged, commercially prepared caramel apples. Six people have died.
By state, the case count is as follows: Arizona (4), California (2), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), Nevada (1), New Mexico (6), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3).
The outbreak spans a huge age range from babies born prematurely to one case patient who was 92. Ten of the illnesses are associated with a pregnancy, and one pregnant woman has suffered a fetal loss. Three children under the age of 15 have been diagnosed with Listeria meningitis.
A link has beeb established to Granny Smith apples produced by Bidart Brothers of Bakersfield, Calif. Three companies that received apples from Bidart have issued recalls. They are: Happy Apple Company of Washington, Mo.; California Snack Foods, of El Monte, California; and Merb’s Candies of St. Louis.
