The United States is grappling with a severe listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, resulting in two deaths and 28 hospitalizations across 12 states, according to federal health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that people from the Midwest to the East Coast have been affected by this outbreak, highlighting the significant health risks posed by contaminated food products.
The CDC's investigation reveals that the outbreak is tied to sliced deli meats, with the majority of the affected individuals reporting that they consumed turkey, liverwurst, and ham sliced at deli counters. Notably, there is no current evidence to suggest that prepackaged deli meats are responsible for the illnesses. The agency is working diligently to identify which specific types of meat may be contaminated.
The affected states include Illinois and New Jersey, where the two fatalities were reported. New York has recorded the highest number of cases, with seven individuals affected. Maryland follows with six cases, while Missouri, Virginia, Georgia, and Massachusetts each report two cases. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have each reported one case.
Listeria, a genus of bacteria known for causing severe illness when it spreads from the gut to other parts of the body, can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria infection typically appear between one week and four weeks after consuming contaminated food and can include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, and muscle aches. In some cases, symptoms may appear as early as the same day or up to 70 days later.
Health experts are urging those at higher risk of contracting listeria to avoid consuming meats sliced at deli counters unless the meat is heated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or is steaming hot. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of listeria infection after consuming deli meats to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
In an interview with News 12's Amanda Lee, Bruce Ruck, managing director for the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System at Rutgers University, emphasized the importance of heating deli meats to high temperatures to kill the bacteria. "Refrigeration does not kill listeria, but heating to a very high temperature will," Ruck explained.
The source of the outbreak is still under investigation, but officials believe the spread began within the last few weeks. Major factories and meat producers have been ordered to thoroughly clean machinery and surfaces used in meat production until the source is identified. Ruck noted the critical differences between listeria and salmonella, another common foodborne pathogen. "It's two different bacteria. They can both cause severe nausea, vomiting, fever, and stuff like that," he said.
The CDC's announcement and ongoing investigation underscore the urgency of addressing food safety concerns related to deli meats. The agency continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, health experts are advising consumers to take precautions and remain vigilant about the foods they consume.
