Two dead and dozens hospitalized in multiple states

A deadly listeria outbreak linked to sliced ​​deli meats has left two people dead and 28 hospitalized in the Midwest and on the East Coast, according to a recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has health officials scrambling to identify the source and prevent further infections.

The CDC investigation revealed that the illnesses were reported between May 29 and July 5. Among the victims, one person died in Illinois and another in New Jersey. The CDC noted that the actual number of people affected may be higher, as some people may have experienced milder symptoms and were not tested for listeria.

Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant women, people over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. The bacteria can cause serious illness and even death when it spreads from the intestines to other parts of the body. In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage or premature birth. Although others can contract listeria, serious illness is rare outside these risk groups.

States reporting cases include New York (7), Maryland (6), Missouri (2), Virginia (2), Georgia (2), Minnesota (1), Wisconsin (1), Illinois (1), Pennsylvania (1), North Carolina (1), and Massachusetts (2). The CDC found that 16 of the 18 patients interviewed had eaten meat sliced ​​at delis, specifically turkey, liverwurst, and ham. There is no evidence that prepackaged delis are involved.

Listeria bacteria can easily spread in deli counters, from equipment to surfaces, hands and food. Refrigeration doesn’t kill the bacteria, but heating the meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit does. The CDC advises people at higher risk of listeria infection to avoid eating meat cut in delis unless it’s been heated to piping hot.

Symptoms of listeria infection typically occur one to four weeks after eating contaminated food, but may occur the same day or as late as 70 days later. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, and muscle aches. Anyone who experiences these symptoms after eating processed meats should seek immediate medical attention.

The CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are actively investigating the source of the contaminated meat. However, no recalls have been issued because the specific type of meat causing the outbreak has not yet been identified. Most of the sick people reported eating turkey or liverwurst, and some also ate ham from various delis.

Florida State Senator Tina Polsky, who played a key role in pushing for the legislation that led to the release of the transcripts, expressed shock at the handling of the case. “I am appalled at the way these victims were treated by those in authority who were supposed to protect them,” Polsky said. “The handling of Epstein’s case reveals a disturbing pattern of leniency and oversight that raises serious questions about the decisions of the prosecution.”

Public health officials are urging people who have eaten processed meats to clean their refrigerators and any surfaces that came into contact with the meat to prevent further spread of the bacteria. The CDC is also encouraging those who develop symptoms of listeriosis to work with local health officials, who may need detailed information about their recent food consumption to help trace the source of the outbreak.

The timeline of the outbreak spans several months, with the first reported illness occurring in late May and the most recent on July 5. DNA fingerprinting showed that the bacteria in the sick people were genetically similar, suggesting a common source of infection.

As research continues, health officials are stressing the importance of caution and preventive measures, especially for those in high-risk groups. The CDC’s advice to avoid processed meats unless they have been thoroughly cooked remains a critical step in reducing the risk of infection during this ongoing outbreak.

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