Caramel Apple Deaths - U.S. health authorities say at least four people have been killed from a Listeria infection outbreak linked to the consumption of commercially manufactured caramel apples.

Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revealed that since November at least 28 people have been infected with Listeria. As of Dec.18, up to 26 of people had been hospitalized and 4 deaths had been recorded. All the late victims were reportedly adults between the ages of 50 to 90 years.

Sources say about 9 of the patients are pregnant women or newborn infants. Three children aged between 5 to 15 years old, suffering from meningitis, a condition related with Listeria infection, were also among the victims.

CDC officials say the 10 states have been hit with the caramel apple linked Listeria, including Arizona, California, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Washington.

Reports indicate that over eighty percent of the patients said they ate industrialized, pre-packed caramel apples before falling sick. 

Authorities have not yet identified the specific brand or brands of caramel apple that led to the Listeria infections. Although in Minnesota, health officials have taken both the Carnival brand and Kitchen Cravings brand caramel apples from the shelves following an inquiry that revealed that some patients consumed them prior to being infected with Listeria.

CDC officials say preliminary investigations into the outbreak have not revealed a connection of Listeria infections with home-made or fresh caramel apples.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria found in the water and soil. It can be spread through food.  Pregnant mothers, newborns, older people and those with weak immune systems are most susceptible to get infected after consuming foods contaminated with Listeria.

Symptoms start to show from 3 to 70 days after contamination. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, convulsions, confusion and loss of balance.

Reports indicate that over 700 cases of Listeria infections are diagnosed yearly in the U.S. This year about 629 people have been infected with Listeria.