Three deaths have been reported in connection with the  Listeria outbreak linked to Frescolina brand Ricotta Salata that has sickened 14 people in 11 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All of those who contracted the infection have been hospitalized. By state the case counts are as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).  Illnesses were diagnosed from March 28, 2012 to August 30, 2012. Pregnant women are especially at risk with Listeria which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and premature delivery. Four of the illnesses in this outbreak were related to a pregnancy; two of … [Read more...]