Foodborne Illness
Listeria Outbreak in Deli Meats Kills Two
So far, 28 people have become ill and two have died, the CDC said.
A recent outbreak of listeria linked to deli meats has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the hospitalization of 28 others across 12 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which has been traced to meats sliced at deli counters, has raised significant public health concerns and prompted warnings from federal health officials.
The CDC reported that the outbreak has affected individuals in states including New York, Maryland, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. New York has reported the highest number of cases with seven individuals falling ill. The two fatalities were from Illinois and New Jersey. The ages of those affected range from 32 to 94 years, with a median age of 75. The demographic breakdown shows that 72% of the patients identify as white, 23% as Black or African American, and 5% as Asian. The CDC noted that the actual number of cases might be higher, as some individuals may recover without seeking medical care and thus go unreported.
The CDC, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), is investigating the source of the contamination. Preliminary findings indicate that the outbreak is likely linked to meats sliced at deli counters, with no evidence suggesting that prepackaged deli meats are involved. Among the 18 individuals who were interviewed, 16 reported consuming deli-sliced meats such as turkey, liverwurst, and ham from various supermarket and grocery store delis.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of listeriosis can range from fever, muscle aches, and fatigue to more severe manifestations like stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Pregnant women may experience mild flu-like symptoms but are at risk of severe complications, including premature delivery and stillbirth. The CDC emphasizes that symptoms can appear anywhere from one to 70 days after consuming contaminated food, making it crucial for individuals who have eaten deli-sliced meats to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
In light of the outbreak, the CDC has issued several recommendations to mitigate the risk of listeriosis. Individuals at higher risk are advised to avoid consuming meats sliced at deli counters unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot just before serving. This precaution is vital as Listeria can grow on foods stored in the refrigerator but is killed by high temperatures. The CDC also advises the public to be vigilant about their health and to consult healthcare providers if they experience symptoms of listeriosis after consuming deli meats. Public health officials are continuing to collect data and perform DNA fingerprinting on bacteria samples to trace the source of the outbreak more precisely.
The USDA-FSIS is working to identify the suppliers of the contaminated deli meats. The CDC is utilizing the PulseNet system, a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, to identify and track cases related to this outbreak. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has shown that the bacteria from the sick individuals' samples are genetically related, suggesting a common source of contamination.
The listeria outbreak linked to deli meats underscores the importance of food safety and the need for rigorous monitoring and preventive measures. As the investigation continues, federal health officials are urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines and remain informed about potential risks associated with deli meats. The CDC's ongoing efforts aim to prevent further cases and protect public health from this serious foodborne illness.