At least two people have died in an outbreak of Listeria infections linked to processed meats, according to information released this afternoon.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the outbreak, which has sickened at least 28 people. All patients required hospitalization. The patients are spread across a dozen states.
During interviews with public health researchers, patients said they ate deli-cut meats — not prepackaged — before they got sick. Of those interviewed, 16 of the 18 patients recalled eating deli meats.
The most frequently mentioned meats were sliced turkey, liver sausage and ham. The meat was sliced in various supermarkets and delis. At this time, the CDC does not have enough information to say which processed meats are the cause of this outbreak.
Sick people range in age from 32 to 94 years old. Symptoms in patients started from May 29 to July 5. However, it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of a Listeria infection to develop, so it is likely that more patients will be identified. Also, the CDC reports that there are likely unconfirmed patients because some people do not seek medical attention and others are not specifically tested for Listeria infection.
Public health researchers use the PulseNet system to identify diseases that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet maintains a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illness. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called Whole genome sequencing (WGS).
WGS showed that bacteria from the samples of sick people are genetically closely related. This suggests that people in this outbreak may have become ill from eating these foods.
The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service is working to identify the suppliers of sliced meats at delis purchased by people during this outbreak.
The CDC warns the public not to eat sliced meat at any deli unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or until it is steaming hot. Let it cool before eating. Listeria can grow on food kept in the refrigerator, but is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.
Also, anyone who has eaten sliced meats should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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