HEALTH ALERT: U.S. CDC says recent outbreak of food poisoning is linked to bacteria in deli meat and cheese sickening 16 people with 1 death in six states
AGN.News Team
November 10, 2022
ATLANTA (AGN.News) -The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in Atlanta has issued a Investigation Notice. This notice is an ALERT notice of the existence of Listeria linked to deli meat sold in six states.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a genus of bacteria (food poisoning) that acts as an intracellular parasite in mammals. Until 1992, 17 species were known, each containing two subspecies. By 2020, 21 species had been identified.
The genus (listeria) is named in honor of the British pioneer of sterile surgery Joseph Lister (1827-1912). Dr. Lister was a British surgeon, medical scientist, experimental pathologist and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery and preventative medicine.
How does Listeria effect people?
Listeriosis can cause serious illness in pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems and the elderly (over 65), and may cause gastroenteritis in others who have been severely infected.
You are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments.
If you are in any of these groups, do not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.
How many infected people are there?
While the following numbers have been verified, there are likely many more individuals who have not reported their infection. They may not be aware of the existence of Listeria or some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.
To date, the CDC reports indicate: Illnesses: 16, Hospitalizations: 13, and Deaths: 1. These cases have been found in six states. One case has resulted in one loss pregnancy. These cases of sick people’s samples were collected from April 17, 2021, to September 29, 2022.
As the video above shows, it takes time to confirm the existence of a Listeria outbreak. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Where does the infected people live?
Investigators found open packages of deli meat or cheese at deli counters at two NetCost Markets in New York. The company was notified of three people who were infected after eating food from there. The market’s deli area was closed temporarily and after a deep cleaning, no Listeria was found and the deli area was re-opened.
In September, the Listeria outbreak strain was found again. There was a need to do a more thorough deep cleaning of the deli.
Listeria is a very difficult germ to get rid of in a deli area. Listeria will persist in and on meat slicers, countertops, and on all surfaces in and around areas where meat or cheese are prepared.
What states has Listeria been detected?
The CDC reported the existence of Listeria in six states. Listeria has been found in California, Illinois, Maryland (one death), Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
Even though these states were reported, there may be others. The CDC says everyone should keep in mind the symptoms and contact medical professionals if they have any questions about medical care.
What are the symptoms of Listeria?
First, signs and symptoms of Listeria infection vary depending on the person infected and the part of the body affected.
Secondly, symptoms of invasive illness usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria.
People who are pregnant can have the following symptoms. These include fever, flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue.
People who are not pregnant can have these symptoms: Fever. flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Listeria can cause intestinal illness
Listeria can also cause an intestinal illness. This kind of illness is rarely diagnosed because laboratories do not regularly test patient stool (poop) samples for Listeria.
Symptoms of intestinal illness usually start within 24 hours after eating food contaminated with Listeria and usually last 1–3 days.
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