Packaged Caramel Apples Responsible For Multi-State Listeria Infection

Health officials are warning consumers not to eat caramel apples. These dessert treats have now been liked to a multi-state listeria outbreak.

"Although caramel apples are often a fall seasonal product, contaminated commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may still be for sale at grocery stores and other retailers nationwide or may be in consumers' homes," CDC officials said, in a statement.

Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes-otherwise known as a bacteria that can result in life-threatening illnesses. Typical symptoms include fever and muscle aches, along with increased risk of diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Unfortunately, for most diagnosed, there infection will be invasive--spreading bacteria throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the incubation period can be as long as 70 days, according to Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical School.

"We can anticipate that more illnesses will occur over time," he said, via ABC News.

CDC investigators have interviewed 18 people with infection, while 15 have reported eating the caramel apples.

Nine of the cases have also been noted in pregnant women or newborn babies. This can be particularly dangerous as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infections in the mother or newborn. In three of these cases, children have developed invasive meningitis, which is a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).