Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Claims Two Lives
- The CDC has reported a listeria outbreak potentially linked to deli meats, with 28 reported illnesses across 12 states and two fatalities.
- Health officials are currently investigating the specific products involved in this outbreak.
- Consumers are advised to stay informed and take precautions to avoid contaminated deli meats.
A listeria outbreak associated with deli meats has resulted in at least two fatalities and hospitalized 28 individuals across 12 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The deceased are from Illinois and New Jersey. The CDC cautioned that the actual number of cases may be higher, as milder infections often go unreported. The most significant clusters of illness have been identified in New York and Maryland. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific contaminated products, but no recalls have been issued as of yet. The CDC noted that there have been no reported illnesses linked to prepackaged deli meats. Many affected individuals reported consuming sliced meats from various supermarkets and deli counters, with turkey, liverwurst, and ham being the most commonly mentioned. The outbreak has affected a wide age range, with patients between 32 and 94 years old, and a median age of 75. Symptoms of listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness, can manifest one to four weeks after exposure, with severe cases potentially leading to invasive infections. The CDC emphasizes that those most vulnerable include pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In light of the outbreak, the CDC advises consumers to avoid deli meats unless they are heated before consumption. The agency continues to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service to gather more information and mitigate the outbreak's impact.