Two Massachusetts residents are among those sickened by a deadly multistate outbreak of listeria linked to eating deli meats, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
So far, 28 people in 12 different states have been infected with the bacteria as part of the outbreak, the CDC said. All have been hospitalized and two have died, one in New Jersey and one in Illinois.
According to the CDC, New York has the most cases, with seven people sickened, followed by Maryland, which has had six. The first case was reported on May 29 and the most recent on July 5.
It’s important to note, however, that because some people have recovered without seeking medical care, the actual number of people sickened in the outbreak is likely higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known cases, the CDC said. Additionally, recent cases may not have been reported yet, as it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Many people who became sick in the outbreak reported eating meats they sliced at delis, the CDC said. The meats were purchased at delis at various stores, but the most common were liverwurst, turkey and ham. CDC investigators are gathering information to determine which products may have been contaminated.
Products sold in delis, especially those that are cut or prepared in a deli, are at higher risk of being contaminated with listeria, according to the CDC. The bacteria spreads easily among equipment, surfaces, hands and foods in delis.
Listeria is especially dangerous if you are pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments, the CDC said. Other people can become infected with the bacteria., but they rarely become seriously ill.
According to the CDC, Listeria is the third most deadly foodborne illness in the United States. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
Currently, the CDC recommends that pregnant women or women over the age of 65 not eat sliced meats from a deli section unless they are first reheated to 165 degrees. Additionally, it is recommended that any refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats be cleaned.
Listeria symptoms typically appear within two weeks of eating food contaminated with the bacteria, but can appear as early as the same day or up to 10 weeks later, according to the CDC. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.
The CDC recommends that people with these symptoms contact their doctor immediately. Anyone who has listeriosis is asked to provide information to the CDC to help investigators determine what foods are making people sick.
