3rd Coloradan Dies In Listeria Outbreak

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - Health officials in Colorado have blamed a third death on a multistate Listeria outbreak traced to cantaloupe from a Colorado farm.

The Mesa County Health Department said Saturday that federal officials confirmed the death was caused by the Listeria strain in the broad outbreak.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 15 people have died, including the Mesa County death. A total of 84 people in 19 states have become ill.

The Mesa County victim hasn't been identified. Authorities say it was an elderly person.

Federal officials traced the Listeria to Jensen Farms of Holly, Colo. The farm issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened by the outbreak and has hired a health expert to investigate.

Federal officials are also investigating.

LINK: Listeria Outbreak Resources

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