Deli meat contaminated with listeria kills 2, hospitalizes 28. Has outbreak reached Florida?

Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Two people have died and more than 25 have been hospitalized from an outbreak of listeria linked to sliced deli meat, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The outbreak has affected people in 12 states.

Investigators are collecting information to determine which products that may be contaminated. Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminated with listeria.

Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food and is not killed by refrigeration, the CDC said. Reheating the food to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats.

Have there been any cases in Florida from the listeria outbreak associated with deli meat?

As of July 19, no cases of listeria associated with deli meat have been reported in Florida.

However, the CDC said the outbreak may be in other states and the number of sick people is likely higher since many recover on their own and aren't tested for listeria.

Where have people died or gotten sick from the listeria outbreak?

Map shows where 28 people with listeria lived.
Map shows where 28 people with listeria lived.

As of July 19, 28 cases of listeria have been reported.

The two deaths associated with listeria were in Illinois and New Jersey, according to the CDC.

"This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported," the CDC said. "This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for listeria."

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, the CDC said.

The CDC estimated listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S.

  • New York: 7

  • Maryland: 6

  • Massachusetts: 2

  • Missouri: 2

  • Virginia: 2

  • Georgia: 2

  • Minnesota: 1

  • Wisconsin: 1

  • Illinois: 1

  • Pennsylvania: 1

  • North Carolina: 1

What deli meat is associated with the listeria outbreak?

While interviews are continuing, the CDC said people are reporting eating a variety of meats sliced at deli counters.

"Of the 18 people able to be interviewed, 16 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli, most commonly deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Meats were sliced at a variety of supermarket and grocery store delis," the CDC said.

"CDC conducted an analysis comparing foods reported by people in this outbreak to foods reported by people who got sick with Listeria but were not part of an outbreak. The analysis showed that people in this outbreak were more likely to eat deli-sliced turkey and liverwurst.

"This information suggests that meats sliced at the deli are a likely source of this outbreak. However, at this time CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of this outbreak."

What are listeria?

Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods, according to the CDC.

What are symptoms of a listeria infection?

Symptoms typically start a week to four weeks after eating contaminated food. Symptoms typically include:

  • Fever

  • Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue

  • Headache

  • Stiff neck

  • Confusion

  • Loss of balance

  • Seizures

Who is most at risk from listeria?

The bacteria are most likely to sicken people who are pregnant and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

Listeriosis mostly affects pregnant women. About 1 in 6 cases of listeriosis are associated with pregnancy, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Can listeria infection be treated?

Treatment depends on the kind and severity of a person’s illness. Most listeria infections are treated with antibiotics. People with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids, the CDC said.

How can you avoid listeria?

Especially for those in high-risk groups, the CDC offers the following suggestions to avoid the listeria bacteria found in food. Do not eat:

  • Unpasteurized soft cheeses, such as queso fresco and brie.

  • Unheated cheeses sliced at a deli.

  • Unheated deli meat, cold cuts, hot dogs, and fermented or dry sausages.

  • Premade deli salads, such as coleslaw and potato, tuna, or chicken salad.

  • Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads.

  • Refrigerated smoked fish.

  • Raw or lightly cooked sprouts.

  • Cut melon left out for more than 2 hours. One hour if it’s exposed to temperatures hotter than 90 degrees.

  • Cut melon in refrigerator for more than a week.

  • Raw (unpasteurized) milk, yogurt, and ice cream.

Can listeria on food be killed?

Listeria is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature, the CDC said. Do not eat meats that have been sliced at any deli counter unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or until steaming hot.Let it cool before you eat it.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Listeria deli meat July 2024: States affected, symptoms, risk factors

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