At least two people have died, and more than two dozen were hospitalized in an outbreak of listeria food poisoning linked to meat sliced at grocery store deli counters, federal health officials said Friday.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 28 people in a dozen states have gotten sick, with the largest number, seven, being in New York. The people who died were from Illinois and New Jersey. Samples were collected from May 29 to July 5, and so far, all of the people known to be part of the outbreak have been hospitalized.
Many of the people in the outbreak reported eating meats that were sliced at grocery store deli counters. So far, there’s no information showing that people are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats, the CDC said. People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham, officials said. The CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of the outbreak.
Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches, and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food.
The infections are especially dangerous for people older than 65, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people, who can have miscarriages. This outbreak includes people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. One pregnant person got sick but retained the pregnancy, officials said.
The CDC is investigating the outbreak and working with state and local health officials to identify the source of the contamination. They are urging people, especially those at higher risk, to be vigilant about the foods they consume and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of listeria infection.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and safety measures, both in grocery stores and in homes. It is crucial that deli meats and other perishable foods are stored and prepared safely to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses like listeria.
The CDC and other health agencies will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. They are committed to identifying the source of the contamination and taking the necessary steps to prevent further illnesses and protect the public’s health.
The collaboration between federal, state, and local health officials, as well as the vigilance of the public, is essential in identifying and containing foodborne illness outbreaks. By working together and staying informed, we can better protect our communities from the risks posed by contaminated foods.