A recent Listeria outbreak linked to deli-sliced meats has resulted in two deaths and at least 28 hospitalizations across 12 states.
All 28 reported cases have led to hospitalizations. One case involved a pregnant individual who was hospitalized but remained pregnant after recovering.
The specific meats linked to the outbreak include deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Investigations are ongoing to identify the precise source of contamination. It’s noted that prepackaged deli meats do not appear to be involved in this outbreak.
About Listeria:
Listeria is a type of bacteria responsible for the infection known as listeriosis. This pathogen is particularly noteworthy for its ability to thrive in cold environments, such as refrigerators, making it a persistent concern in food safety. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, which typically inhibit bacterial growth. This ability makes it particularly dangerous in food storage environments.
Listeria can be transmitted through contaminated food products. Common sources include deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw or undercooked meats and vegetables. The bacteria can contaminate food through improper handling and cross-contamination in food processing facilities.
It can persist on surfaces, equipment, and in processing environments, making it challenging to eliminate once it contaminates a food processing environment.
Affected States: The outbreak has been reported in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. New York has the highest number of reported cases, with seven individuals affected.
High-Risk Groups: The elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Listeria infections. In pregnant women, Listeria can cause fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and more severe outcomes like pregnancy loss, premature birth, or serious illness in newborns.
Symptoms in non-pregnant individuals include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. These symptoms can escalate to severe conditions such as meningitis.
Preventive Measures: It’s advised to high-risk individuals to avoid consuming meats sliced at deli counters unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. This recommendation aims to mitigate the risk of Listeria infection from potentially contaminated deli-sliced meats.
General Advice: While Listeria can cause severe illness in high-risk groups, most healthy individuals experience mild food poisoning symptoms and recover without treatment. However, given the potential severity, it is essential to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines provided by health authorities.
