Listeria Outbreak, Deaths, Linked to Deli Meats. Is Delaware Safe?

A Listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meats has left two people dead and 28 hospitalized in the United States on Friday, federal health officials said.

Listeria is a genus of bacteria that can cause serious illness when it spreads from the intestines to other parts of the body.

The deadly outbreak strain of Listeria has been found in 12 states, including the Midwest and the South. Most hospitalizations have occurred in the Mid-Atlantic states, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

One patient died in New Jersey. The only recorded case in the outbreak in Illinois also died. Samples from sick people were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 5, 2024 (see timeline). But officials caution that only the most serious cases that led to hospitalization have been confirmed so far, and that more recent cases may take time to be confirmed.

As news of the outbreak spreads and health officials analyze existing cases, more cases and reports may come in.

This is what we know so far.

What is the source of the Listeria outbreak?

As of Friday, federal officials have not determined the specific source. But health officials suspect processed meats.

Of the 18 hospitalized people interviewed by health officials, 16 (89%) reported eating meat that had been sliced in a deli. The most commonly eaten meats were deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham.

The meat was cut in various supermarkets and delicatessens. Packaged meat in retail is not suspected as a source of contamination.

Which states were the Listeria outbreak reported in?

The outbreak has spread to 12 states, with most cases in the mid-Atlantic region.

Maryland and New York reported the most hospitalizations, with 6 and 7, respectively. One person died in Illinois, the only reported case in the state, and another person died in New Jersey. So far, Delaware has not reported any cases.

New York: 7
Maryland: 6
Missouri: 2
Virginia: 2
Georgia: 2
Minnesota: 1
Wisconsin: 1
Illinois: 1
Pennsylvania: 1
North Carolina: 1
Massachusetts: 2

How dangerous is Listeria and who is most at risk?

Listeria is of particular concern to pregnant women, people 65 or older, or people with weakened immune systems, the CDC said. Listeria in pregnant women can cause miscarriage. Less vulnerable people can also become infected with Listeria, but rarely become seriously ill, the CDC said.

CDC data shows that the ages of people hospitalized due to the current Listeria outbreak range from 32 to 94 years, with a median of 75 years.

The majority (72%) of patients identified themselves as White, while 23% identified themselves as Black or African American and 5% as Asian.

What are the symptoms of Listeria?

Symptoms usually begin one to four weeks after eating contaminated food and include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, fever and muscle aches. Symptoms can also begin the same day or up to 70 days later.

People at higher risk of getting sick from Listeria should avoid eating meat cut in delis unless the meat has been heated to 165 degrees or is piping hot, the CDC advises.

If you experience symptoms of Listeria after recently eating processed meats, you should contact your doctor.

Contact Matthew Korfhage at [email protected]. Additional reporting was provided by Eduardo Cuevas and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY.