CDC investigating deadly listeria outbreak linked to deli meat:
U.S. health officials are currently looking into a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak and are recommending that pregnant individuals, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems should refrain from consuming sliced deli meat unless it has been reheated at home until it is hot throughout.
As of early Saturday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not require a food recall due to uncertainty over which products are contaminated with the bacteria responsible for two deaths and 28 hospitalizations in 12 states. This suggests that the tainted food might still be in circulation, so consumers should take into account their own risk level before eating deli meats.
Federal health authorities cautioned on Friday that the amount of sickness cases is probably underestimated, as individuals who recuperate at their residences are unlikely to undergo testing. Due to the same factor, the outbreak could have extended beyond the states where cases of listeria infections have been documented, particularly in the Midwest and along the eastern coast of the United States.
In New York, the CDC reported that the highest number of individuals falling ill was seven. The deceased individuals were from Illinois and New Jersey.
The information that investigators have gathered
Out of those interviewed by investigators 89% said they consumed sliced meats from a deli with deli sliced turkey liverwurst, and ham being the most popular choices. The CDC reported that various supermarket and grocery store delis sliced meats.
Samples taken from victims between May 29 and July 5 indicate that the bacteria is genetically closely connected.
“This indicates that meats cut at the deli are probably the cause of this outbreak. Still, the CDC stated on its website Friday that it does not have sufficient information to identify which deli meats are responsible for this outbreak.
What you can anticipate if you become infected:
Listeria infections commonly result in fever, muscle pain and fatigue, and may lead to symptoms such as a stiff neck, confusion, lack of coordination, and seizures. Symptoms may manifest shortly after consuming tainted food or up to a maximum of 10 weeks later.
Mayo Clinic states that diagnosis is typically done through testing bodily fluids like blood, urine, or spinal fluid.
The CDC states that individuals over 65 and those with weakened immune systems are at high risk from Listeria infections. The age of individuals affected by this epidemic varied from 32 to 94 with a middle age of 75.
Listeria can elevate the chance of miscarriages in individuals who are pregnant. Officials reported that one of the individuals affected by the recent outbreak was pregnant but fortunately did not experience a miscarriage.
The CDC states that intestinal listeriosis, infections limited to the gut, can frequently be managed without antibiotics. For instance, individuals may require additional liquids when suffering from diarrhea.
However, if the infection goes beyond the intestines and becomes invasive listeriosis, it can be very perilous. Antibiotics are typically used to reduce the chances of blood infections and brain swelling, as per the Mayo Clinic.
How about the meat in your refrigerator?
There is currently no indication that individuals are becoming ill from prepackaged deli meats. For individuals in a vulnerable situation who already have cold cuts in their fridge, they can ensure they are safe by re-cooking them. The CDC states that refrigeration does not eliminate Listeria but heating up the meats before consumption will eradicate any potential germs.
The CDC always advises individuals at increased risk of listeriosis to avoid consuming deli sliced meats or to ensure they are heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before consumption.
Several products implicated in previous listeria outbreaks cannot be heated again; throughout the years, listeria has triggered either voluntary or enforced recalls of cheeses, bean dips, milk, mushrooms prepackaged salads, and ice cream.
Other News:
Ryan Reynolds confirms who’s not Lady Deadpool in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
President Joe Biden gracefully and strategically withdraws from the 2024 presidential race.
