Two people are dead, and at least 28 people have been admitted to hospital following a multistate listeria outbreak.
As per to CNN, the CDC announced the outbreak in an investigation notice published on Friday, July 19. The media notes that the “true number of people” who have caught the outbreak “is probably higher than what’s been reported.”
CNN adds that a “milder form of the illness” could have impacted those people and added that there’s “a lag time between when an illness occur and when scientists can relate it with an ongoing investigation.”
The CDC notes that symptoms of listeria “start within two weeks” of eating contaminated food. But, symptoms can also begin to display themselves the same day of contamination or “as late as ten weeks after.”
CNN reports that out of 18 affected individuals who were interviewed, 16 reported that they ate “meats sliced at a deli” within a month of their sickness. But, none have noted “getting sick after eating packaged deli meat.”
While, it remains not clear what meat caused the outbreak. Some individuals reported eating turkey, while others reported eating liverwurst and ham.
Additionally, it remains not clear where the outbreak began. Fox 35 Orlando notes that “most cases” have been reported in New York. However, the 2 individuals who passed away were reportedly located in Illinois and New Jersey.
As per to CNN, listeria infection can spark symptoms such as “fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.” Additionally, individuals may also experience headaches, “a stiff neck, confusion or seizures.”
The CDC notes that the infection can be “especially” harmful to those who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, or elderly.
“This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a critical condition known as invasive listeriosis,” the CDC reports.
As per CNN, listeriosis is the “3rd leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.”
The CDC is urging individuals more susceptible to infection to avoid eating meat they’ve had sliced at a deli unless it’s been internally heated to at least 165 degrees.