The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a listeria outbreak that has affected over two dozen people across 12 states, likely linked to deli meat. As of Friday, 28 people have fallen ill, all of whom have been hospitalized. Tragically, two people have died—one from Illinois and one from New Jersey.
New York has reported the most cases with seven, followed by Maryland with six. Other states with reported cases include Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The CDC notes that the actual number of people sickened by this outbreak is likely higher than reported. Some people may recover without medical care and thus aren’t tested for listeria, and recent illnesses might not yet be reported because it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a person is part of an outbreak.
The CDC, along with partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), is collecting data to identify the outbreak’s source. Many patients reported eating meats sliced at deli counters before falling ill. Products sold at delis, especially those sliced or prepared there, can be contaminated with listeria.
Currently, there is no evidence that prepackaged deli meats are causing the illnesses. Of the 18 people interviewed, 16 reported eating meats sliced at a deli, most commonly deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. These meats were sliced at various supermarkets and grocery store delis.
The CDC’s data shows that cases were reported between May 29 and July 5. Patients’ ages range from 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. Of those affected, 72% identify as white, 23% as Black or African American, and 5% as Asian.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis, can lead to serious infections. Symptoms of severe illness usually begin one to four weeks after consuming contaminated food but can start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days later.
An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis annually in the U.S., and about 260 die. Those most at risk include pregnant women and newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms for non-pregnant individuals can include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance. Pregnant women typically experience only a fever and flu-like symptoms.
Also Read:
- Deadly Dengue Outbreak Reported in Texas, Health Officials Urge Vigilance
- Southern Illinois Confirms West Nile Virus in Bird and Mosquitoes: Safety Measures Advised
The CDC advises those at higher risk of listeriosis to avoid eating meat sliced at deli counters unless it is heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot just before serving. If you have symptoms of listeriosis and recently ate meat sliced at a deli, the CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider.
