The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a warning, on Friday, concerning a multi-state listeria outbreak deli meats connected with shredded deli meat. The explosion has resulted in two fatalities and 28 hospitalizations over 12 states.
The CDC’s preliminary analysis showed that most of those contaminated, finished meats were sliced at deli counters. The agent is actively collecting data to determine specific harmful products and has urged high-risk people to exercise caution.
Shredded or prepared deli meats are inclined to Listeria contamination, as the bacteria can readily transmit from hands and surfaces to deli supplies and food. Listeria is not stopped by refrigeration, so it is important to heat food to an interior temperature of 165°F or until boiling to kill the bacteria before eating.
CDC issues alerting for a multi-state Listeria outbreak deli meats
The agency reported that the majority of those contaminated with the potentially deadly bacteria said eating meats scored at deli counters. As part of its continuing investigation, the CDC is gathering necessary data to “choose the precise products as they can be infecting.”
CDC further commented that products cut or prepared at a deli are more sensitive to Listeria contamination. As the bacteria disperses easily from hands and surfaces to deli supplies and food.
Who is most at risk?
Pregnant women, old individuals (over 65 years of age), and those with depleted immune systems are more sensitive to serious illness from Listeria illness. Symptoms include muscle aches, nausea, fever, headache, and diarrhea.
Pregnant individuals are generally to avoid deli meats — or “boiling them until they are burning” before swallowing them, the American Pregnancy Association speaks.
The CDC replies it can take 3 to 4 weeks to decide if someone’s illness is part of an endless outbreak — and states that the “true number of sick individuals in this outbreak is even likely higher than the number,” because some individuals recover without medical care or for the existence of the bacteria.
How to protect yourself?
The agency has reported high-risk groups to dodge deli meats sliced at the counter. Choose prepackaged deli meats rather, and rehearse good hygiene when taking and prepping food. It has further given instructions to warm all deli meats. Anyhow of the slicing method, to an interior temperature of 165°F before consuming. As this process will kill any Listeria bacteria current.
Current Situation:
As the CDC investigation is underway, here’s a Listeria outbreak deli meats of concerned states and documented cases:
- Minnesota (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
- Missouri (2)
- Illinois (1)
- Georgia (2)
- North Carolina (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Maryland (6)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- New York (7) (highest number of cases)
- New Jersey (2)
- Massachusetts (2)