Two dead in Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats; investigation ongoing

At least two people have died from Listeria infections linked to deli meats, according to information released this afternoon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the outbreak, which has sickened at least 28 people. All of the patients required hospitalization. The patients are scattered across more than a dozen states.

During interviews with public health officers, patients recalled eating deli-cut meats—not packaged—before they became ill. Of those interviewed, 16 of 18 patients recalled eating deli-cut meats.

The most commonly cited deli meats were turkey, liverwurst, and ham. The meat was cut in a variety of deli sections of supermarkets and grocery stores. At this time, the CDC does not have enough information to determine which deli meats are the source of this outbreak.

The sick people range in age from 32 to 94. The patients developed symptoms between May 29 and July 5. However, it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to appear, so it is likely that additional patients will be identified. The CDC also says there are likely unconfirmed patients because some people do not seek medical care and others are not specifically tested for Listeria infection.

Public health researchers are using PulseNet to identify diseases that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illness. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

WGS showed that bacteria from samples from sick people are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak may have become ill after eating these foods.

The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service is working to identify suppliers of deli-cut meats purchased by people affected by this outbreak.

The CDC warns the public not to eat meat cut at any deli unless it has been heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until it is very hot. Let it cool before eating. Listeria can grow on refrigerated food, but it can be easily killed by heating the food to a high enough temperature.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell like it has spoiled, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone with symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about possible exposure to Listeria.

In addition, anyone who has consumed the deli meats should monitor themselves for any symptoms in the coming weeks, as symptoms of listeriosis can appear up to 70 days after exposure to the Listeria bacteria.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and stiff neck. Diagnosing Listeria infections requires specific laboratory tests, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are at particular risk for serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature birth, neonatal infection, and even stillbirth.

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