(USNewsBreak.com) – Companies that prepare foods incorrectly or expose them to bacteria can cause contamination. When this happens, a manufacturer issues recalls, and experts say customers should discard the items. Authorities have linked a recent listeria outbreak to deli meat, and the tainted items have allegedly caused at least two deaths so far.
On July 19, the CDC issued an investigation notice stating it had received reports of 28 illnesses and 28 hospitalizations due to listeria contamination. Those who received treatment reported they had eaten deli meats prepared at the deli counters. The outbreak has spread to at least 12 states, including:
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- Maryland
- Wisconsin
- Virginia
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Missouri
- New York
The most impacted states were New York, with seven people falling ill, and Maryland, where doctors treated six people for the bacterial infection.
Health officials are warning of a deadly listeria outbreak linked to deli meat. The outbreak has sickened more than two dozen people in at least 12 states. Whit Johnson reports. https://t.co/OMsKjyzPk9 pic.twitter.com/XquEK3iaER
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) July 20, 2024
Currently, the CDC hasn’t issued a recall notice for the meats involved, though the agency is investigating and trying to pinpoint the exact source. Since deli meat can contain listeria, workers can easily spread the bacteria around the counters, equipment, and other foods.
Listeria is a bacterial malady caused by eating contaminated foods. It rarely results in severe illness, but certain populations are more susceptible, including people over 65, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
The symptoms typically present within two weeks after consuming the foods but can start the same day or as much as 10 weeks after consumption. Common side effects include muscle aches, tiredness, fever, and intestinal problems. Pregnant women are at risk of losing pregnancy loss or premature birth, though in some cases, newborns can have a life-threatening infection.
Most people’s symptoms will resolve without treatment in a matter of days. Some extreme cases require hospitalization, and listeria can cause death if it progresses to invasive listeriosis, a condition where the bacteria spreads to the gut.
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