CDC: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat Leaves 2 Dead, Dozens Sick Here's what you need to know
Deli meat sold in 12 states has been linked to a listeria outbreak that has caused two deaths and sickened dozens, health officials said
- Meats sliced at deli counters have been linked to a Listeria outbreak that has killed two people and caused dozens of hospitalizations, per the CDC.
- The outbreak has reached 12 states, with most illnesses reported in New York and Maryland.
- Health officials are investigating the outbreak to determine what specific products are causing the illnesses, but no recalls have been reported yet.
At least 28 people have been hospitalized and two have died after eating meat deli meat linked with a Listeria outbreak, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many people affected by the outbreak reported eating meat sliced at supermarket deli counters, and there's no indication that pre-packaged deli meat has sickened people. People available for interviews reported eating turkey, liverwurst, and ham.
The illnesses connected with the current outbreak were reported from May 29 to July 5. They occurred in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Most of the hospitalizations occurred in New York, where seven people have been affected, followed by Maryland, where six people became ill. The two deaths linked to the outbreak were reported in Illinois and New Jersey.
The number of people who are ill is likely higher than the number reported, the CDC statement said.
The agency is investigating the outbreak to determine which products were contaminated; no products have been recalled yet.
Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Getty Images
What Is Listeria?
Listeria is a bacteria that causes listeriosis, an infection that can lead to a range of symptoms, from diarrhea and mild flu-like symptoms to more severe complications, such as seizures, stiff neck, and even death.
Listeriosis is especially dangerous for people who are pregnant, 65 or older, or immunocompromised, per the CDC. The infection is more likely to spread to different body parts for these groups, causing invasive listeriosis.
The CDC recommended that people at high risk for invasive illness should not eat deli meat sliced at deli counters unless they reheat it. The internal temperature of the deli meat should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The CDC advises that anyone who experiences fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, a stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, or seizures should contact a healthcare provider. Health officials investigating which products are connected to the current outbreak may contact people who have been or become diagnosed with listeriosis.
If you want to remove deli meat from your refrigerator, the CDC provides general recommendations on how to safely remove recalled products. The agency says to:
- Put the food—and any other food that touched it in your refrigerator—in a sealed bag before throwing it away in the garbage.
- Clean the container the recalled item was stored in with hot, soapy water before reusing it.
- Empty the rest of your refrigerator and wash any removable parts, such as shelving and drawers, with hot, soapy water before drying with a clean towel.
- Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and then wipe it with clean water to remove any soap.
- Dry the refrigerator with a clean towel and replace any removable parts and food items.
- Use hot, soapy water to clean kitchen counters or other surfaces used during the cleaning process.
- Wash any towels used and wash your hands in hot, soapy water.
This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Maggie O'Neill
