The number of listeria infections have been on the rise this summer and has already claimed two lives. Two people from Colorado, including a 48 year-old mother of three, have died after consuming food contaminated with listeria. Nine other people in Colorado have also been infected with the bacteria, ranging from 30 to 90 years-old. Health officials say that infections increased 500% in the month of August.

The FDA and the Colorado Department of Health and Environment are investigating the deaths to see if the recent recall of 8,000 packages of Classic Premium Sliced Smoked Atlantic Nova Salmon could be related to the jump in infections. Listeria infections are usually very rare, less than 2,000 cases are reported annually, and has a 25% fatality rate. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches.

If you or someone you love has fallen seriously ill after eating contaminated food, contact the Cedar Rapids defective food product lawyer Pete Leehey at 319-294-4424.