Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat

CDC Issues Warning After Two Deaths, Two Dozen Sickened

Investigators Collecting Information, Advising High-Risk Individuals to Avoid Deli Meat or Heat It Thoroughly

Breaking News: At least two people have died and more than two dozen others have been sickened in an outbreak of listeria linked to deli meat. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning Friday about the deadly multistate outbreak, urging high-risk individuals to avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters or to heat them thoroughly before consuming.

Investigators are collecting information to determine the exact source of the outbreak, but many individuals who have fallen ill have reported consuming deli meats. The CDC is advising anyone who is pregnant, over 65, or has a weakened immune system to avoid eating deli meat or to cook it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, listeria can cause meningitis, bloodstream infections, and even death.

The CDC recommends that everyone practice good food safety habits to reduce the risk of listeria infection. These habits include washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, cooking meat to the proper internal temperature, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly.

The outbreak is still under investigation, and the CDC is urging healthcare providers to be on the lookout for patients with symptoms of listeria infection. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms after eating deli meat should seek medical attention immediately.