2024-07-24 08:25:09
A listeria outbreak has been reported in 12 states, killing two — including one in New Jersey — and hospitalizing nearly 30 people.
The outbreak has been linked to sliced deli meats.
According the Centers for Disease Control, the cases involve people eating meats sliced at deli counters in grocery stores, delis, and other food shops.
Listeria deli meat brands
While turkey, liverwurst and ham were the most reportedly sliced meats involved, there are no specific recalls in place or brands identified.
Listeria can spread through cross contamination on deli equipment, kitchen surfaces, foods and human contact. The bacteria can survive cold temperatures like this in fridges.
What states have reported listeria outbreak?
Although these states have reported cases of listeria, the CDC said it can be more as it can take weeks for cases to be reported.
- Georgia
- Illinois — one death
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- New Jersey — one death
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia,
- Wisconsin
Who is at high risk?
Listeria is especially harmful and considered high risk to those that are pregnant, aged 65 years or older or have a compromised immune system.
The CDC warns those at high risk, to not eat meats sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165-degrees or until steaming hot. (Listeria can grow on foods kept in refrigerator.) Clean your refrigerator, containers or surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually start within the first two weeks of eating contaminated food with Listeria, however it can show up as late at up to 10 weeks later.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
