A pregnant woman in Minnesota was one of 28 people who became ill in a nationwide Listeria outbreak that has also killed two people in other states. So what is Listeria, and what are the important things you should know about it?
Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate many types of food and cause an infection called listeriosis when eaten, and health officials are focusing on deli meats as one of the sources of these outbreaks.
“In this outbreak, many people have reported eating sliced meat from the deli counter,” he said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In a public notice Friday, investigators are gathering information to identify specific products that may be contaminated. Products sold in delis, especially those sliced or prepared in the delis, may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria, which can easily spread on deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food.
According to the CDC website, listeriosis is most common in pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can become infected, but the illness rarely becomes severe. Pregnant women with listeriosis may miscarry or give birth prematurely, and newborns may become seriously ill or die.
The Minnesota woman who had listeriosis gave birth to a healthy baby, said Amy Barrett, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Department of Health. She was hospitalized for several days and has since recovered.
According to CDC recommendations, people who are at high risk for listeriosis should:
- Avoid eating pre-sliced meats at the deli, which should be cooked until steaming or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clean the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats.
- According to the CDC, if you have symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or fatigue, contact your health care provider.
So far, New York state has the most confirmed cases with 7. Other states affected by Listeria infections are mostly along the East Coast and in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois.
According to the CDC, the number of cases is likely higher than 28 because some people have recovered without seeking medical care and have not been tested. The national investigation into this outbreak is ongoing. More information can be found on the CDC website. cdc.gov/Listeria.
