WASHINGTON — Health officials are warning consumers that four deaths and over two dozen illnesses across the country are being linked to prepackaged caramel apples, according to the Associated Press.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there are 28 known cases where people became ill with the same strains of the bacteria listeria, and at least 26 were hospitalized.

Listeriosis is a contributing factor to the four deaths.   Listeria is a food-borne illness that is especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborn babies, and the elderly, the CDC said.

Two of the known deaths were in Minnesota, and health officials there said they purchased the caramel apples from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods, the Associated Press reported.

The CDC said the investigation of the deaths and illnesses is “rapidly evolving.” Christopher Braden, an epidemiologist at the CDC, said the agency is trying to determine how the caramel apples may have become infected.

This illness can be treated with antibiotics.  Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea.

Anyone who recently purchased commercially produced or prepackaged caramel apples should throw them away, Braden said, but to also make sure they wrapped up so animals or people going through the trash don’t eat them.