Here’s what you need to know about this bacteria and its recent outbreak.
What states have reported Listeria cases?
The CDC know The 28 people infected with Listeria in this outbreak lived in 12 states: New York (7 cases), Maryland (6 cases), Virginia (2 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), Massachusetts (2 cases), Georgia (2 cases), Missouri (2 cases), Illinois (1 case), Pennsylvania (1 case), North Carolina (1 case), Wisconsin (1 case), and Minnesota (1 case). Their average age was 75 years old.
The agency added that the outbreak “may not be limited to states with known illnesses.” Samples from the infected people were taken between May 29 and July 5, and the agency said, “because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, it is possible that the recent illnesses have not yet been reported.” Said.
Of the two known fatalities, One was in Illinois and the other in New Jersey.
What products are affected?
Many people affected by the outbreak reported to the CDC that they had eaten sliced meat from the deli counters of various supermarkets and delis.
Investigators are still To identify specific products that may be contaminated, authorities Said Friday. It is most commonly consumed The meats included turkey, liverwurst, and ham, but there was not enough information on which deli meats were used. Outbreak.
that Said So far, there is no evidence that prepackaged deli meats have made people sick.
What causes Listeria?
Listeria is an infection that usually occurs when people eat food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes Bacteria. Bacteria are General – I live in Humid environmentIt is transmitted through contaminated food, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals (though rarely). Humans are most commonly infected through contaminated food, with pregnant women, adults over 65, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems most at risk. become seriously ill Due to Listeria infection.
Foods likely to be contaminated include Soft cheeses, pre-made deli salads, uncooked deli meats, cold cuts, hot dogs, fermented or dried sausages, refrigerated pates or meat spreads, cold-smoked fish, raw dairy products, bean sprouts, and melon.
What are the symptoms of Listeria?
The first and most common Symptoms of Listeria Infection Diarrhea and vomiting usually begin within 24 hours of eating food contaminated with Listeria and usually last for 1-3 days. Although these symptoms are unpleasant, they are usually not life-threatening.
In severe cases, the bacteria spread beyond the intestine and is classified as an invasive disease. These symptoms usually begin within two weeks and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
According to the CDC, about one in six non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis die, making it the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths in the United States.
An invasive, though usually non-fatal, disease Infection during pregnancy usually leads to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
What’s the latest advice?
Anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis should contact their health care provider.
For people at high risk, the CDC recommends Recommendation Do not eat meat sliced at the deli counter unless it has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot just before eating.
Listeria can grow on foods stored in the refrigerator but is killed by heating the food to a high enough temperature. Recommended precautions include cleaning the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats.
Deli chains should follow suit USDA guidelines Regarding control of Listeria monocytogenes.
