What to know about Listeria outbreak, NC

An outbreak of Listeria has been reported in 12 states, causing 28 hospitalizations and two deaths thus far according to the Centers for Disease Control. Victims of the outbreak, linked to sliced deli meats by CDC investigations, include one patient in North Carolina and another two in neighboring Virginia.

According the CDC, patients sick with Listeria have recounted eating meats sliced at deli counters in grocery stores, delis and other food shops. Here’s what we know so far on the outbreak.

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Listeria deli meat brands

While there appears to be a clear link to meats sliced at deli counters, investigators have not yet reported any specific stores or brands of sliced meat that may be contaminated with Listeria.

Listeria can spread easily among deli equipment, surfaces and foods, as refrigeration does not kill the bacteria. Only reheating food to a high temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above will kill Listeria.

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What states have reported Listeria outbreak?

While the CDC has reported Listeria in the following states, investigators say that the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses. It can take weeks for Listeria cases to be reported. Additionally, some people recover without medical care and are not tested.

The full list of states includes:

• Georgia – 2 cases
• Illinois – 1 death
• Massachusetts – 2 cases
• Maryland – 6 cases
• Minnesota – 1 case
• Missouri – 2 cases
• North Carolina – 1 case
• New Jersey – 1 death
• New York – 7 cases
• Pennsylvania – 1 case
• Virginia – 2 cases
• Wisconsin – 1 case

Listeria symptoms

Listeria symptoms tend to start within two weeks of eating contaminated food, but can show up as late as up to 10 weeks later.

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.

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Who is at high risk?

In people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older or have weakened immune systems, Listeria is more likely to spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body. The bacteria is therefore more dangerous to these groups, as it is more likely to result in invasive listeriosis, a life-threatening condition.

In people who are pregnant, the bacteria also may cause premature birth, miscarriage or life-threatening infections in newborns.

The CDC suggests that people belonging to these groups:

• Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
• Call your health care provider right away if you have any symptoms.

The page also mentioned that, if you become sick with Listeria, local or state health officials may contact you for information on anything you have eaten that may have contained the bacteria. They may also ask for copies of receipts, your shopper card number or leftover food for testing.

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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.