Death toll from listeria reaches 21

WASHINGTON – Federal health authorities say a nationwide outbreak of listeria in Colorado cantaloupes is now responsible for 21 deaths and the number may continue to grow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported new deaths in Indiana and New York. The CDC also confirmed a death in Wyoming that state officials reported last week. The CDC said 109 people have been sickened in the outbreak – including the 21 dead – in 23 states from California to the East Coast.

The agency previously reported five deaths in Colorado, five in New Mexico, two in Texas, two in Kansas and one each in Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. The CDC said it is also aware of one miscarriage associated with the outbreak.

The number of illnesses and deaths is expected to grow.