One Now Dead in Listeria Outbreak

The Washington state Department of Health says an outbreak of listeria that has killed one person originated from a Yakima cheese maker.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that state health and agriculture officials are working with federal officials to contain the outbreak.

The products in question come from Yakima-based Queseria Bendita. The company has stopped producing cheese and is subject to a voluntary recall.

Health officials say as of Friday three listeria cases had been reported - one each in King, Pierce and Yakima counties. One death was reported.

Health officials say people who may have bought three Queseria Bendita brand cheeses - Queso Fresco, Panela, and Requeson - should throw the product away and not eat it.

In a statement, the company says the cheese in question was distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima.