Listeria Outbreak Reaches New York State, Hospitalizes 7 People

A listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has sickened at least seven people in New York. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating over two dozen reported illnesses across 12 states. As of Friday, 28 people have been sickened and hospitalized, with the most cases reported in New York state, with 7 people hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported, one in New Jersey and another in Illinois. The first case was reported May 29, and the most recent illness connected to the outbreak was reported July 5. The patients range in age from 32-94.

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. Listeria rarely causes serious illness for most people, but it is especially harmful for individuals over age 65, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant.

National Listeria Lawyer Jory Lange is investigating a Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak. The CDC and USDA report that, "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."

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"The scary thing about this outbreak is, as a consumer, there's nothing you can do to tell whether the food that you are buying is safe. You can't taste, smell, or see Listeria. Food that is contaminated with Listeria may look, smell, and taste just like any other food. This is why it's critical that the corporations that make and sell our food ensure the food is safe before they sell it," said Listeria Lawyer Jory Lange.

The CDC reports that if you are at risk, take these precautions to avoid listeriosis:

• Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
  
  • Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
  
  • People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
  • Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.
• Provide information to help us identify the specific deli products
  
  • If you are sick with Listeria, local or state health officials may contact you to find out what you ate in the month before you got sick. They may also ask for copies of receipts, your shopper card number, or leftover food for testing.