Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Results in Two Deaths

Two people in the United States have died due to a listeria outbreak linked to deli-sliced meats, according to the CDC. As of Friday, there are 28 reported cases across 12 states since late May.

The CDC warns the actual number might be higher, as some people recover without seeking medical attention and are not tested for Listeria.

States Affected by Listeria
The outbreak has affected 28 people in 12 states:

New York: 7 cases
Maryland: 6
Virginia: 2
New Jersey: 2
Massachusetts: 2
Georgia: 2
Missouri: 2
Illinois: 1
Pennsylvania: 1
North Carolina: 1
Wisconsin: 1
Minnesota: 1

The median age of those affected is 75. The CDC notes that the outbreak may extend beyond these states. Samples were collected between May 29 and July 5, and recent cases may not yet be reported due to the time it takes to identify part of an outbreak.

Causes of Listeria
Listeria infection is usually caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria thrive in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals. While common, listeria infection is rare and primarily occurs through food contamination. Those most at risk include pregnant women, adults 65 and older, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Foods prone to contamination include:

Soft cheeses
Premade deli salads
Unheated deli meat, cold cuts, hot dogs, and dry sausages
Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads
Cold-smoked fish
Raw milk products
Sprouts and melons

Symptoms of Listeria
Initial symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, typically appear within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food and last one to three days. While these symptoms are unpleasant, they are not usually life-threatening.

Severe cases involve the bacteria spreading beyond the intestines, leading to invasive illness with symptoms like:

Fever
Muscle aches and fatigue
Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance
Seizures

Listeria ranks as the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. It can grow in refrigerated foods but is killed by heating to a high temperature. Cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that have contacted sliced deli meat is recommended.

Current Situation
The outbreak has resulted in two deaths and over two dozen hospitalizations linked to deli-sliced meats. The victims were from Illinois and New Jersey. Affected individuals reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Currently, there is no indication that prepackaged deli meats are involved.

The outbreak affects people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. One pregnant person was infected but retained the pregnancy.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention