Cheese Recalled After Listeria Illness, Including Washington State

So far, 24 illnesses in 8 states have been reported, including one death in Ohio.

The Karoun Dairy, a California company, has voluntarily stopped production and marketing of several types of soft cheeses after the listeria outbreak has sickened a number of people. The Centers for Disease Control says the listeria has been linked to the cheese.  According to the CDC and CBS News:

"...almost two-thirds of those who became ill are of are of Middle Eastern or Eastern European descent or shopped at Middle Eastern-style markets. Most of those who fell ill reported eating Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Mediterranean, or Mexican-style cheeses."

The company says none of it's samples tested positive, but is working with the CDC and chose to recall these brands after the CDC said the illnesses were linked to the products.

14 of the 24 illnesses were in California, with the other ten spread between the other 7 states.

Listeria primarily affects the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborn infants. It can cause fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms and can be fatal.