In the wake of a recent outbreak of listeria that has affected over 25 individuals across 12 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to exercise caution when consuming deli meat as it may be the source of the outbreak.
According to the federal health agency, as of Friday, 28 individuals have become ill and all of them have been hospitalized. Sadly, two people from Illinois and New Jersey have passed away due to this illness.
At present, New York has reported the highest number of cases, with seven cases confirmed. Following closely behind is Maryland, with six cases. Additionally, several other states have reported cases, including Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
According to the CDC’s recent update on Friday, the number of individuals affected by the outbreak may have been underestimated and could extend beyond the states that have already reported illnesses. This is due to the possibility of some people recovering without seeking medical attention and therefore not being tested for Listeria. Additionally, it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks for recent illnesses to be reported and linked to the outbreak.
According to the CDC, they are collaborating with their partners, including the USDA-FSIS, to gather information and identify the origin of the outbreak. A significant number of individuals affected by this outbreak stated that they had consumed deli meat before experiencing symptoms.
As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that prepackaged deli meats are causing any illnesses among individuals.
According to the CDC, out of the 18 individuals who were interviewed, 16 of them admitted to consuming meats that were sliced at a deli. Deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham were the most commonly reported types of meats. The meats were sliced at various supermarket and grocery store delis.
Between May 29 and July 5, there have been several reported cases according to the CDC data. The patients involved ranged in age from 32 years old to 94 years old, with a median age of 75. Among the patients, 72% identified as white, while 23% identified as Black or African American, and 5% identified as Asian.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, consuming food that has been infected with Listeria monocytogenes can lead to a severe infection called listeriosis. This infection can escalate to invasive listeriosis, which occurs when the bacteria spread from the gut to other areas of the body.
According to the CDC, the symptoms of severe illness typically manifest between one to four weeks after consuming contaminated food. However, it is possible for symptoms to appear on the same day or up to 70 days later.
Each year, approximately 1,600 individuals are affected by listeriosis, resulting in approximately 260 fatalities. People who are at higher risk of contracting this illness include pregnant individuals and newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.
If you’re not pregnant, you might experience a variety of symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance. However, if you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to experience only fever and the typical symptoms of the flu.
To reduce the risk of listeriosis, the CDC advises individuals who are more susceptible to the infection to refrain from consuming meat that has been sliced at deli counters, unless it has been heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until it is steaming hot just before serving. If you have recently consumed meat sliced at a deli counter and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, it is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider.
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