Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat in 12 States
There have been 28 hospital admissions and 2 deaths documented thus far.
On July 19, a notice of investigation was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a fatal listeria epidemic linked to sliced meats sold at deli counters in 12 states in the Midwest and Northeast. The CDC notes that “the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.” To date, 28 illnesses, including 28 hospitalizations and two fatalities, have been linked to the outbreak.
Although the inquiry is still underway, the data thus far indicates that freshly sliced deli meats at a counter are most likely the source of the outbreak. Sixteen out of the eighteen individuals associated with the outbreak who were interviewed said they had eaten deli meats, primarily turkey, ham, and liverwurst. According to the CDC, there is currently no reason to suspect that pre-packaged deli meats are related to the incident.
Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin were among the states where illnesses were documented between May 29 and July 7. The two fatalities happened in New Jersey and Illinois.
Many foods can become contaminated with the bacteria listeria, which can lead to serious and occasionally deadly illnesses in young people, the elderly, and others with compromised immune systems. Only transient symptoms like a high fever, excruciating headache, stiffness, nausea, gastrointestinal pain, and diarrhea may affect healthy people. Until this inquiry is conducted, immunocompromised people may wish to stay away from freshly cut deli meats and cheeses.
Because the germs grow best in cold storage cases and refrigerators, deli meats and cheeses are more often associated with listeria outbreaks. When meats and cheeses are handled incorrectly, it then readily spreads to hands and deli slicers and other equipment. Listeria does not die when refrigerated. Reheating any impacted meat to a sufficiently high temperature before eating it is the best method to eradicate any potential pathogens.
