US health officials have been considering cantaloupes cultivation in the state of Colorado as the reason of the spread of listeria monocytogenes. The infection has so far resulted in mortality of 13 people and has infected many people of the region.

The cantaloupes cultivated in the region of Granada, Colorado, have been recalled for examination by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Georgia. As per the information of the authorities, 72 people from 18 states of the US were found to be infected with the infection.

The outbreak started on August 15. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial disease, which results in forming lieteriosis on the body of the infected. This is the most dangerous form of food-borne disease.

According to the media, the people died due to the disease belonged to the region of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas. The number of deaths due to the infection is believed to have outraced the mortality due to salmonella disease that occurred due to peanuts three years back. Apart from confirmation of 13 deaths due to listeria monocytogenes, another 3 people were being doubted of being in a serious condition and their chances for survival from the disease is very less.