Multi-State Listeria Outbreak Linked To Deli Meat Sickens 10, Kills 1

Authorities are investigating a multi-state listeria outbreak that has caused the death of one person. People with higher risks of getting sick with listeria are being advised to avoid deli meat.

On Friday, Oct. 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that along with the public health authorities in several states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), they are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections so far detected in Florida, New York and Massachusetts.

This outbreak has been linked to deli meat, with all nine people interviewed by authorities reporting that they purchased and ate Italian-style deli meat in the month before they got sick. Furthermore, investigation on the bacteria isolated from the patients revealed that they were "genetically" closely related, suggesting a common source.

These deli meats were sold at deli counters at various locations, the CDC said in the Investigation Notice, and the authorities are now working to trace a common supplier and type of meat that may be linked to the outbreak.

All of the 10 people affected by the outbreak were hospitalized. One of them, from Florida, died.

As such, the authorities are urging people who have a higher risk for getting sick with listeria to avoid eating deli meats. This includes those who are 65 years or older, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning in the U.S., the CDC said. Symptoms begin within four weeks after consuming the contaminated food. However, there have also been cases wherein the symptoms began within the same day or as far as 70 days after the exposure.

As mentioned, pregnant people, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of getting sick from a listeria infection.

Just like other foodborne illnesses, Listeriosis can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and fever but it can typically vary depending on the person. In pregnant women, for instance, the symptoms may include fatigue and muscle aches. It can also cause infection in the newborn, stillbirth, premature delivery or miscarriage.

On the other hand, people who are not pregnant may also experience stiff neck, head ache, confusion, loss of balance and even convulsions in addition to the common symptoms.

Adults who are 65 and older are four times more likely to get listeriosis, according to the CDC, with more than half of Listeria infections being among the elderly. The risks are also high for those with compromised immune systems. For instance, people on dialysis are 50 times more likely than others to get a listeria infection, the agency said.

"If you are not in these groups, you are unlikely to get sick from Listeria," the CDC said in the Investigation Notice.

That said, the agency stressed the importance of avoiding deli meats unless prepared properly.

"Avoid eating deli meats, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving," the CDC said.

It's also important, the agency notes, to practice food safety, which includes proper hand washing after handling deli meats, keeping refrigerator shelves clean, separating the deli meat so that its juices will not get on other food items and making sure to only keep factory-sealed packs of deli meat for up to two weeks if unopened and only up to five days once opened.

Anyone who ate deli meat and are experiencing symptoms of a Listeria infection should call their healthcare provider.