At least 133 cases have been reported in 26 states . The outbreak is not over , but new cases are on the decline . The tainted cantaloupes were released last month . Unsanitary conditions at the Colorado cantaloupe farm 's packing facility are a possible contributing cause of one of the nation 's worst outbreaks of listeria contamination in food , health officials have said . The outbreak is the deadliest food - borne illness reported in the United States since Reconstruction .
At least 133 cases have been reported in 26 states . The outbreak is not over , but new cases are on the decline . The tainted cantaloupes were released last month . The outbreak is the deadliest food - borne illness reported in the United States since Reconstruction .