Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Affects Multiple States

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Affects Multiple States

A listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has resulted in two deaths and the hospitalization of 28 people across 12 states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The outbreak, which began in late May, has been traced back to meats sliced at deli counters, according to the CDC.

Listeria, a type of food poisoning, can easily spread through deli equipment, food, surfaces, and hands. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe illness. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. For pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection in newborns.

The CDC has advised consumers to reheat deli meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bacteria. Additionally, cleaning refrigerators and any surfaces that have come into contact with sliced deli meats can help prevent the spread of listeria.

Despite the ongoing investigation, no specific products have been recalled yet. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk groups avoid eating deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot.

This outbreak highlights the importance of food safety practices in preventing foodborne illnesses. Consumers should be vigilant about proper food handling and hygiene, especially when dealing with ready-to-eat foods like deli meats.

 

FAQs About Listeria

What is listeria?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. It's often found in contaminated food and can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

How common is listeria?
Listeria infections are relatively rare, with about 1,600 cases annually in the U.S. However, it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses.

Where is listeria found?
Listeria can be found in various foods, including deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw vegetables. It can also contaminate food processing environments and kitchen surfaces.

How long do listeria symptoms last?
Symptoms of listeriosis can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s health condition.

What are the first signs of listeria?
The first signs of listeriosis often include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

How long does listeria last?
The duration of listeriosis varies. Symptoms can appear within a few days to 30 days after consuming contaminated food, and the illness can last several weeks.

How common is listeria in pregnancy?
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems for the newborn.

How to prevent listeria?
To prevent listeria, practice good food safety measures such as thoroughly cooking meat, washing raw vegetables, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products. Clean kitchen surfaces and refrigerators regularly, and heat deli meats to 165°F before consuming.

What causes listeria?
Listeria infection is caused by eating food contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It can spread through contaminated food, equipment, and surfaces.

Listeria symptoms how soon after eating?
Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to 30 days after consuming contaminated food, though some cases have reported onset up to 70 days later.

How do you know if you have listeria?
If you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea after eating potentially contaminated food, seek medical attention. Blood tests can confirm a listeria infection.

How to test for listeria?
Listeriosis is diagnosed through blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, or tests on amniotic fluid or the placenta in pregnant women.

What is listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is the species of bacteria that causes listeriosis. It can survive in refrigerated and room temperature environments and is resistant to high salt concentrations.

What is a listeria outbreak?
A listeria outbreak occurs when two or more people get sick from the same contaminated food source. Outbreaks are investigated by health authorities to identify the source and prevent further infections.

What does listeria look like on food?
Listeria bacteria cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted on food. It is typically detected through laboratory testing of food samples.