Here’s what to know about the bacteria and the latest outbreak.
Listeria has been reported in which states?
CDC is know Of the 28 people infected with the strain of Listeria in the outbreak, from a dozen states: New York (7 cases); Maryland (6); Virginia (2); New Jersey (2); Massachusetts (2); Georgia (2); Missouri (2); Illinois (1); Pennsylvania (1); North Carolina (1); Wisconsin (1); Minnesota (1). Their average age is 75.
It added that the outbreak “should not be limited to states with known outbreaks”. Samples from victims were collected between May 29 and July 5, and “recent illnesses may still go unreported because it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” the agency said. said.
Of the two known deaths, One was in Illinois and the other in New Jersey.
What products are affected?
Many affected by the outbreak reported to the CDC that they ate meat cut from deli counters, supermarkets, and delis.
Investigators are still working The company determines the specific products that may be contaminated said Friday. Noted that it is very commonly consumed The meats were turkey, liverwurst and ham, but there wasn’t enough information to say which deli meats were behind. Critical illness outbreaks.
It is said To date, there is no evidence that people have gotten sick from prepackaged deli meats.
What causes listeria?
Listeria is an infection usually caused by eating contaminated food Listeria monocytogenes Bacteria. When bacteria are present Common – Living Wet environments, soil, water, decaying plants and animals – infection is rare. It most commonly occurs in humans through food contamination. People who are pregnant, age 65 and older, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are at risk. becomes seriously ill from listeria infection.
Foods likely to be contaminated Adds soft cheeses; pre-made deli salads; unheated deli meats, cold cuts, hot dogs and fermented or dried sausages; Chilled pate or meat spreads; cold smoked fish; raw milk products; Sprouts and melons.
What are the symptoms of listeria?
First and most common Listeria infection symptoms Diarrhea and vomiting. They usually begin within 24 hours of eating food contaminated with Listeria and usually last one to three days. Although unpleasant, these symptoms are generally not considered life-threatening.
In severe cases, the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines and is classified as an invasive disease. These symptoms usually begin within two weeks. Flu-like symptoms include fever, muscle aches and fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
According to the CDC, 1 in 6 people with invasive listeriosis who are not pregnant die. It is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
Although not usually fatal, the disease is aggressive Pregnancy usually results in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.
What is the latest advice?
Anyone experiencing listeria symptoms should contact a health care provider.
For those at high risk, the CDC Recommends Meat cut at the deli counter should not be eaten until it has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or cooked hot before serving.
Listeria can also grow in refrigerated foods and is killed by heating the food to high temperatures. Recommended practices include cleaning refrigerators, containers and surfaces that have touched sliced deli meat.
Delegates to follow Agriculture Department guidelines In Controlling Listeria.
