Two Massachusetts residents have fallen ill in a deadly outbreak that has spread across multiple states. Listeria Associated with eating deli meat According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):.
So far, 28 people in 12 states have become sick with infection caused by the bacteria. The CDCAll were hospitalized, and two people have died, one in New Jersey and one in Illinois.
According to the CDC, New York state has the most cases with seven, followed by Maryland with six. The first case was reported on May 29, and the most recent was reported on July 5.
But it’s important to note that the number of people who have actually become ill in this outbreak may be higher than reported because some people may have recovered without seeking medical care, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known cases, the CDC said. Additionally, it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, so recent cases may not yet be reported.
According to the CDC, many of the people who have become ill in this outbreak have reported eating meat sliced at deli counters. The meat was purchased at counters in a variety of stores, but the most common items were liverwurst, turkey, and ham. CDC investigators are collecting information to identify which products may have been contaminated.
According to the CDC, products sold in delis, especially those sliced or prepared in the deli, are at high risk of being contaminated with Listeria, which spreads easily between deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.
According to the CDC, Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, over 65, or who have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can also become infected with the bacteria., However, serious illness is rare.
According to the CDC, Listeria is the third-deadliest food-borne illness in the US, and in pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and life-threatening infection in newborns.
At this time, the CDC recommends that pregnant people or people over 65 not eat meat sliced at the deli counter unless it’s first reheated to 165 degrees, and that people clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meat.
According to the CDC, symptoms of Listeria usually begin within two weeks of eating contaminated food but can begin as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks later. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.
The CDC said anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately. Provide information to CDC It helps researchers figure out which foods are making people sick.
