The CDC is cautioning Americans about an outbreak of listeria that has affected over 25 individuals in 12 different states. Deli meat is believed to be the possible source of the outbreak and thus, the public is being advised to exercise caution.
According to the federal health agency, 28 individuals have fallen sick and have been hospitalized, with two fatalities – one from Illinois and one from New Jersey.
Seven cases have been reported in New York, making it the state with the highest number of cases. Maryland is in second place with six reported cases. Other states that have reported cases include Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
According to the recent update by the CDC on Friday, the actual count of individuals who have fallen ill due to this outbreak might be more than what has been reported. The CDC stated that the outbreak could spread beyond the states where known illnesses have been detected. This is because some patients recover without any medical intervention and hence are not tested for Listeria. Moreover, there could be unreported cases of illness as it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a person is part of an 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 the outbreak had consumed deli meats that were sliced at the counter before experiencing symptoms.
At present, there is no evidence to suggest that prepackaged deli meats are causing any illnesses amongst individuals.
According to the CDC, out of the 18 individuals who were interviewed, 16 confirmed that they had consumed deli-sliced meats, with the most common ones being turkey, liverwurst, and ham. The meats were sliced at various deli counters in supermarkets and grocery stores.
According to data from the CDC, there have been reported cases between May 29 and July 5. The patients’ ages range from 32 to 94 years old, with a median age of 75. Out of the total patients, 72% identified themselves as white, while 23% identified as Black or African American and 5% as Asian.
Listeriosis is a severe infection caused by consuming food that contains the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. The CDC explains that this infection can escalate into invasive listeriosis when the bacteria moves from the gut to other areas of the body.
According to the CDC, severe illness symptoms typically manifest within a time frame of one to four weeks after consuming the contaminated food, although they can appear as early as the same day or as late as 70 days later.
Around 1,600 individuals are affected by listeriosis each year, with a mortality rate of approximately 260 individuals. The most vulnerable groups are pregnant women, newborns, older adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you are not pregnant, you may experience a range of symptoms that include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance. On the other hand, if you are pregnant, you are likely to experience only a fever and flu-like symptoms.
According to recommendations from the CDC, individuals with a higher risk of listeriosis should steer clear of deli counter sliced meats unless they have been heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until they are steaming hot just before serving. If you have recently consumed deli-sliced meat and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, it is advised that you contact your healthcare provider immediately.
