Cantaloupes containing the Listeria strand of bacteria have now claimed at least 28 lives and have caused more than 133 sicknesses that span 26 states. The dangerous products have been pulled from grocery store shelves, but the damage could already be done.

CBS News released the latest statistics recently, stating that officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that symptoms could develop up to two months after consuming the dangerous bacteria-tainted produce. Officials also believe the death toll could continue to rise.

An investigation conducted by the Food and Drug Administration has determined that dirty processing equipment that trapped contaminated water may be partly to blame for the Listeria growth at a Colorado farm. The bacteria could have also been tracked in and out of packing sheds from contaminated trucks. The growers immediately stopped shipments and pulled their products from grocery shelves, but the illnesses linked to the bacteria continue to be reported.

Listeria is a serious type of bacteria that causes an infection called listeriosis, which most commonly results from eating contaminated food. According to the CDC website, the government agency continues to work with public health officials in several states to investigate the bacteria outbreak and reported cases.

Listeriosis is a very dangerous infection. Its symptoms are more prevalent in older adults, newborns, women who are pregnant and adults with weak immune systems. Symptoms will include muscle aches, fever, stiff neck and chills. If diagnosed early, the infection can be controlled with antibiotics.

Sources: CBS News, "Listeria death toll now at 28, but will it grow?," Ryan Jaslow, Oct. 26, 2011

CDC.gov, "Investigation Update: Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Whole Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, Colorado," Oct. 25, 2011