2 dead in listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced ​​in deli: What you need to know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced ​​in delis.

The CDC issued an investigative report on July 19 indicating that two people have died and at least 28 have been hospitalized in connection with the outbreak. The report notes that many of those involved in the current outbreak reported eating meat that had been sliced ​​at delis. No recalls have been issued, but the agency is urging the public, especially those at risk, to avoid meat that has been sliced ​​at delis or to reheat meat thoroughly before consuming it.

Read on for an overview of what we know so far.

What is causing the listeria outbreak?

The CDC says the 18 people surveyed who became sick with listeria during the current outbreak reported eating a “variety of meats” sliced ​​at delis in various supermarkets and grocery stores. The most commonly reported meats were turkey, liverwurst and ham, sliced ​​at delis.

The agency says it has no information linking the outbreak to prepackaged meats.

What are the symptoms of listeria?

The signs and symptoms of a listeria infection can vary from person to person.

Signs of Listeria in Pregnant Women

Non-pregnant people

• Fever, muscle pain and listlessness

• Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures

According to the CDC, symptoms of listeria can begin within two weeks of consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. However, symptoms can begin as early as the day of consumption or as late as 10 weeks after eating the food.

It can take three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak.

According to the CDC, recent cases of illness linked to the listeria outbreak may not yet be known and the actual number of people sickened by the outbreak is likely higher than reported.

Which states are experiencing a listeria outbreak?

A map showing where the sick people lived shows the affected states as Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Which foods most often contain listeria?

According to the CDC, the following foods are at higher risk for Listeria contamination:

• Cold cuts and hot dogs

• Soft cheeses, mainly from unpasteurized milk, such as queso fresco, brie and camembert

• Unpasteurized dairy products made from raw milk

• Smoked fish

• Pre-made salads

Who is considered a risk group?

According to the CDC, newborns, pregnant women, people 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk for listeria.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com