A listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meats has resulted in two deaths and 28 hospitalizations across the Midwest and East Coast of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that people have fallen ill from this bacteria, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. The outbreak has affected 12 states, with cases reported between May 29 and July 5, 2024.
Key Details of the Outbreak due to Listeria
Deaths and Hospitalizations due to Listeria:
- Two deaths have been reported: one in New Jersey and one in Illinois.
- A total of 28 individuals have been hospitalized due to severe illness from the outbreak.
States Affected :
The outbreak has impacted the following states:
- New York: 7 cases
- Maryland: 6 cases
- Missouri: 2 cases
- Virginia: 2 cases
- Georgia: 2 cases
- Minnesota: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 1 case
- Illinois: 1 case
- Pennsylvania: 1 case
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Massachusetts: 2 cases
Source of Contamination
The CDC’s investigation revealed that the outbreak is linked to meats sliced at deli counters. Sixteen out of eighteen interviewed patients reported consuming sliced deli meats, including turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Notably, prepackaged deli meats have not been associated with the outbreak.
Who is at Risk?
Listeria poses a significant threat to certain populations:
- Pregnant Women: Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
- Elderly Individuals: Those aged 65 and older are at higher risk of severe complications.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria bacteria, can manifest a range of symptoms. Typically, symptoms appear one to four weeks after consuming contaminated food but can occur as early as the same day or up to 70 days later. Common symptoms include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
CDC Recommendations
The CDC advises the following precautions to minimize the risk of listeriosis:
- Reheat Deli Meats: Anyone at higher risk should avoid consuming deli meats unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or are steaming hot.
- Seek Medical Attention: Those exhibiting symptoms of listeriosis after consuming sliced deli meat should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
- Clean Your Refrigerator: If you suspect your refrigerator has come into contact with contaminated meats, it should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
Demographics of Affected Individuals
The CDC data provides insight into the demographics of those affected:
- Age range of patients: 32 to 94 years old, with a median age of 75.
- Racial breakdown: 72% identified as white, 23% as Black or African American, and 5% as Asian.
Previous Outbreaks and Context
The previous significant listeria outbreak occurred in February 2024, linked to queso fresco and Cotija cheese sold across the U.S. Listeria outbreaks underscore the importance of food safety and monitoring, especially in products that are not cooked before consumption.
