At Least 2 Dead in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Deli-Sliced Meat
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 28 people had been hospitalized with listeria infections across a dozen states.
At Least 2 Confirmed Deaths in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that at least two individuals have died and over 28 others have been hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak possibly associated with deli-sliced meats.
According to the CDC, the fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. Since May, there have been recorded cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection across 12 states. These include the most affected states: New York with seven cases, followed by Maryland with six, and others such as Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin also reporting cases.
Patients diagnosed with listeria infections in the outbreak range in age from 32 to 94 years, with one pregnant individual among them who has since recovered. The CDC noted that many of those affected reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters, underscoring the likelihood that the actual number of cases may be underestimated.
Health officials are leveraging a national DNA database to trace the sources of contamination, employing whole genome sequencing to identify genetic similarities in the bacterial samples collected from infected individuals. This analysis points toward a common source linked to the deli meats consumed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is currently working to trace the suppliers of these meats. The CDC warned that listeria can easily spread through deli equipment, surfaces, and food, and emphasized that while refrigeration does not eliminate the bacteria, reheating meats to sufficient temperatures can kill harmful germs.
Importantly, the CDC has found no evidence connecting listeria infections to prepackaged deli meats. The listeria bacteria, often found in soil, pose significant health risks, particularly to pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It is the third leading cause of death related to foodborne illness in the U.S.
Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with severe consequences for pregnant individuals and very young infants.
In related news, Canadian health authorities reported two deaths from listeriosis associated with plant-based dairy alternatives earlier this month. Additionally, the FDA recently prompted a recall of various ice cream products linked to potential listeria contamination.
Emily Schmall covers breaking news and feature stories from Chicago.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that at least two individuals have died and over 28 others have been hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak possibly associated with deli-sliced meats.
According to the CDC, the fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. Since May, there have been recorded cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection across 12 states. These include the most affected states: New York with seven cases, followed by Maryland with six, and others such as Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin also reporting cases.
Patients diagnosed with listeria infections in the outbreak range in age from 32 to 94 years, with one pregnant individual among them who has since recovered. The CDC noted that many of those affected reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters, underscoring the likelihood that the actual number of cases may be underestimated.
Health officials are leveraging a national DNA database to trace the sources of contamination, employing whole genome sequencing to identify genetic similarities in the bacterial samples collected from infected individuals. This analysis points toward a common source linked to the deli meats consumed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is currently working to trace the suppliers of these meats. The CDC warned that listeria can easily spread through deli equipment, surfaces, and food, and emphasized that while refrigeration does not eliminate the bacteria, reheating meats to sufficient temperatures can kill harmful germs.
Importantly, the CDC has found no evidence connecting listeria infections to prepackaged deli meats. The listeria bacteria, often found in soil, pose significant health risks, particularly to pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It is the third leading cause of death related to foodborne illness in the U.S.
Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with severe consequences for pregnant individuals and very young infants.
In related news, Canadian health authorities reported two deaths from listeriosis associated with plant-based dairy alternatives earlier this month. Additionally, the FDA recently prompted a recall of various ice cream products linked to potential listeria contamination.
Emily Schmall covers breaking news and feature stories from Chicago.