Two people are dead, and at least 28 people have been hospitalized following a multistate listeria outbreak.
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More Details On The Deaths & Hospitalizations Related To The Outbreak
According to CNN, the CDC announced the outbreak in an investigation notice published on Friday, July 19. The outlet notes that the “true number of people” who have caught the outbreak “is probably higher than what’s been reported.”
CNN adds that a “milder form of the illness” could have impacted those people and added that there’s “a lag time between when an illness happens and when scientists can connect it with an ongoing investigation.”
The CDC notes that symptoms of listeria “start within two weeks” of eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can also begin to display themselves the same day of contamination or “as late as ten weeks after.”
What Sparked The Listeria Outbreak?
CNN reports that out of 18 affected individuals who were interviewed, 16 reported that they ate “meats sliced at a deli” within a month of their sickness. However, none have noted “getting sick after eating packaged deli meat.”
At this time, it remains unclear what meat caused the outbreak. Some individuals reported eating turkey, while others reported eating liverwurst and ham. Additionally, it remains unclear where the outbreak began. Fox 35 Orlando notes that “most cases” have been reported in New York. However, the two individuals who passed away were reportedly located in Illinois and New Jersey.
What Should You Do If You Have Symptoms?
According to CNN, listeria infection can spark symptoms such as “fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.” Additionally, individuals may also experience headaches, “a stiff neck, confusion or seizures.”
The CDC notes that the infection can be “especially” harmful to those who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, or elderly.
“This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis,” the CDC reports.
According to CNN, listeriosis is the “third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.”
The CDC is urging individuals more susceptible to infection to avoid eating meat they’ve had sliced at a deli unless it’s been internally heated to at least 165 degrees. Additionally, the organization urges those consumers to clean their refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that have come in contact with deli products and to call a health provider immediately if they experience any of the above symptoms.
