What You Need to Know About the Current Listeria Outbreak
Six states have been affected by the listeria outbreak so far. How can you keep yourself safe?
On November 9th, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that there has been an outbreak of listeria in six states that has been connected to contaminated deli meat and cheese. The investigation is still active but so far there have been sixteen illnesses, thirteen hospitalizations, and one death within the six states affected. There have been seven infections reported in New York, three in Maryland, two in Illinois, two in Massachusetts, one in California, and one in New Jersey.
The investigation so far has concluded that deli meat and cheese is the most likely source of the outbreak. It is difficult to identify specific products or delis that may have been contaminated. Listeria is very easily spread among food on deli surfaces, slicers, and hands. It is a difficult bacteria to eliminate because it can live and grow in cold temperatures.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause illness that results in hospitalization and possible death. People usually become sick from listeria after eating contaminated food. It primarily affects pregnant women and their fetuses, newborns, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised. Symptoms of listeria illness depend on the specific person and body part affected but it commonly causes fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, confusion, stiff neck, balance issues, confusion, convulsions, or diarrhea. These symptoms usually start one to four weeks after eating contaminated food but can start as early as the same day of exposure or as late as seventy days after exposure.
If you are at high risk of complications from a listeria infection you should follow these guidelines from the CDC,
1. Do not eat meat or cheese from any deli unless it is heated to 165°F or until steaming hot.
2. Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come in contact with deli meat or cheese.
3. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any symptoms of listeria illness.
Resources
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 9). Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/deli-11-22/index.html?fbclid=IwAR2i-dfUXyY0O4OKsbpJNtN4HbNmnIQ5ps-JVn8Md7275U0ym-nkxTeWR3o
