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16 People Infected with Listeria from Deli Meat and Cheese
On November 9, 2022, the CDC posted investigation details citing that 16 people across six states have been infected with listeria from deli meats and cheeses, with one reported death.
Recently, the CDC shared investigational details chronicling a recent listeria outbreak. The outbreak, which has infected approximately 16 people across six states, began on April 17, 2022, with the most recent case reported on September 29, 2022. According to the CDC, these infections are correlated with contaminated meat and cheese from deli counters.
Listeriosis, commonly referred to as Listeria, is an infection caused by listeria monocytopenia, usually contracted from contaminated food. On average, 1,600 get listeria each year, and 260 die due to illness.
Listeria is most likely to cause symptoms in pregnant individuals, elderly populations, and immunocompromised individuals. Signs of the illness include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
The CDC states that during this outbreak, illnesses were in people ranging from 38 to 92 years old, with 62% of infections being in men. For those with ethnic information available, the majority were of eastern European descent. Most reported cases were in New York, with seven infected individuals. Other cases occurred in Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and California.
Of the people infected, 13 have been hospitalized, and one sickness resulted in a pregnancy loss. In addition to hospitalizations, one death has been reported.
“State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. Of the 12 people interviewed, 11 reported eating meat or cheese from deli counters. Among seven sick people in New York, five bought sliced deli meat or cheese from at least one location of NetCost Market, a grocery store chain that sells international foods. Sick people from other states purchased deli meats or cheeses from other delis,” stated the CDC in its investigation.
According to the CDC, the actual case number is likely greater than 16 as people who don’t seek medical attention for the condition will not be reported as part of the outbreak. Additionally, the organization says it can take up to four weeks for an illness to be reported and connected to the outbreak.
The organization advises that those at high risk of listeria avoid deli meat and cheeses or reheat them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The organization is also advising that suspected infections be reported.
