The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are calling it one of the deadliest breakouts of listeria in the past decade; over a dozen people have died and seventy-two have fallen ill in eighteen states due to contaminated cantaloupes.

The cantaloupes affected were grown by Jensen Farms in Colorado and the farm has since recalled its entire 2011 crop. A federal investigation is looking into Jensen Farms, searching for causes of the outbreak.

Experts expect the number of illnesses and deaths to increase since listeria can have a two month incubation period before it develops into listerosis in the body. Symptoms of listeria infection include high fevers, diarrhea, body aches, and nausea.

If you or someone you love have been harmed or worse after consuming contaminated food, contact the New Jersey contaminated food attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., P.A at 1-800-346-5529 today.