DEAR DR. GOTT: Every time I listen to the news on my television or the radio, I hear of more problems regarding the bad cantaloupe that came from the Midwest. I had melon recently and am now scared. I am afraid to buy any fruit for fear of developing GI problems. Can you update me?

DEAR READER: The bacterium involved with this newest outbreak is known as listeria monocytogenes that appears to target newborns, pregnant women, older adults, and those with a compromised immune system. However, it has been observed in people outside the categories listed. Government investigators are still searching for the cause of this particular outbreak that may stem from animal or water contamination, or from the harvesting process itself (such as manure possibly used as a fertilizer). The CDC is also recommending that people dispose of cantaloupes that have the Rocky Ford label.
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