Listeria Outbreak Spreads To 12 States; 2 Dead From Deli Meat, Dozens Hospitalized
A listeria outbreak linked to deli meat has now spread to a dozen states, a recent Centers for Disease Control report revealed.
Two have died and 28 more are hospitalized from the foodborne bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The illness has mostly affected people from the East Coast, with New York being the most affected with 7 reported cases. Maryland is second, with 6 cases, according to the CDC.
Other states affected by the listeria outbreak include Massachusetts (2 cases), New Jersey (2), Virginia (2), Georgia (2), Missouri (2), Pennsylvania (1), North Carolina (1), Wisconsin (1), Minnesota (1) and Illinois (1).
The deceased were reported in New Jersey and Illinois.
The CDC noted that the outbreak may not be limited to the 12 reported states, and the number of patients is likely higher than the reported.
The outbreak is suspected to have originated from meats sliced at deli counters after many of the hospitalized reported consuming ready-to-eat food from these stores.
An investigation is underway to determine the specific products or brands that may be contaminated.
Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that is commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meat and unpasteurized milk products, the Mayo Clinic explained.
The bacteria also thrive in cold temperatures, so refrigerating does not kill it.
It is especially harmful for pregnant women, people aged 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also be fatal to newborn babies.
Listeria symptoms usually manifest two weeks after consumption of the contaminated meat. Some signs to watch out for include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and nausea.
Worse cases of listeria infection could affect the nervous system which could lead to convulsions, stiff neck and confusion.
