CDC warns of deadly listeria outbreak linked to stone fruits

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers about a listeria outbreak that has led to at least one death and 10 hospitalizations.

The alert comes on the heels of a recall issued by the Food and Drug Administration for several types of peaches, nectarines and plums sold by HMC Farms over health concerns.

The fruits in question were sold in two batches between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2022 and between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2023.

The recalled fruit was distributed to and sold at retail stores nationwide. However, cases have so far only been reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

The lone death was reported in California.

The true number of people sickened in the outbreak is probably higher, the CDC said.

The fruit was potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes serious infection.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, resulting in about 260 deaths, according to the CDC.

Children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to the worst effects of infection. Pregnant people can also experience miscarriages or stillbirths if infected.

The bacteria also can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks, but can take anywhere between a day and 10 weeks to begin.

Consumers are advised to throw away any recalled fruit or return it to the store.