A listeria outbreak caused by contaminated cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado has claimed the lives of 21 people.  The farm issued a recall of the cantaloupes last month.

The recall covered Illinois and 23 other states.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 109 illnesses caused by the cantaloupes.

The listeria bacteria found in the cantaloupes can cause listeriosis.  Most often the bacteria affects those with compromised immune systems and the elderly.

Symptoms of listeriosis — which include fever, headache, muscle pains, and digestive problems — can take up to 2 months to appear.  Officials expect to receive more reports of illness over the next few weeks.

Contact the Champaign personal injury attorneys of Thomas A. Bruno & Associates at 217-328-6000, if you or someone you love has become ill from consuming a recalled food product.

Last week, engineering contractors began looking into the tragic stage collapse in Indianapolis that killed 7 and injured 40 earlier this month.  The accident occurred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds before a Sugarland concert.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration will also be conducting investigations into the stage collapse.  At least 2 event workers were killed in the devastating accident.

In the first premises liability lawsuits concerning the stage collapse, attorneys suggest that there were no permits or inspections involved in the setting up of the stage.  One lawyer said of the accident, “This was a terrible tragedy that could and should have been prevented; the responsible parties must be held to account.”