An outbreak of listeria traced back to sliced deli meats has been reported, resulting in two deaths and numerous hospitalizations across the Midwest and East Coast.
A nationwide investigation by health authorities is now underway to pinpoint the deli meats responsible for listeria infections, USA Today reported.
This severe foodborne illness has impacted twelve states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming cases linked to deli counters serving primarily turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Samples from infected individuals were collected between May 29 and July 5, creating urgency in tracking the source.
Regarding geographical impact, the hardest-hit states include New York, which has reported seven cases alone.
The fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey, bringing the respective communities to heightened alert about food safety, especially concerning deli products.
According to the CDC, most individuals interviewed confirmed consumption of meats from deli counters before falling ill.
This connection has steered the investigation towards deli counters at various retail locations rather than packaged products in supermarkets.
All 28 hospitalized cases have shown symptoms typical of listeria infections, such as high fever, muscle aches, and more severe complications like headache, stiff neck, and confusion, which can escalate to convulsions. Health officials are stressing that symptoms can manifest anywhere from the day of consumption to 70 days after that, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
To protect consumers, especially those at higher risk, like pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the CDC has issued specific advisories. The primary recommendation is to heat all deli meats to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until they are steaming before consumption to kill listeria bacteria.
The CDC's thorough approach involves tracing the food back to its sources and ongoing surveillance of reported cases. "People at higher risk of getting sick from listeria should avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters unless they heat those meats to 165 degrees, or until they're steaming hot," advises the CDC in a recent press release.
Furthermore, the health agency has made it clear there's no evidence to suggest that prepackaged deli meats have contributed to this outbreak, helping narrow the investigative focus to freshly sliced deli meats directly from service counters.
Given the severity of listeria symptoms and the broad incubation period, health officials are urging anyone who has consumed deli meat recently and is experiencing any related symptoms to seek medical advice promptly.
This proactive measure is crucial in preventing further deterioration of health and controlling the spread of the infection.
The CDC continues to work closely with state health departments to monitor the situation and update the public as new information becomes available.
This includes potential recalls or stricter regulatory measures on the handling and serving deli meats across the affected states.
In conclusion, this listeria outbreak has exposed vulnerabilities in deli counter food safety. Consumers should be cautious about their meat sources and preparation. Properly heating meats can prevent illness, and staying informed through reliable health communications is crucial during such health concerns.
