Two people in the United States have tragically lost their lives in connection with a listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced at deli counters, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, a total of 28 cases have been reported in 12 states since the end of May.
The CDC has warned that the actual number of cases may be higher than reported, as some individuals may recover without seeking medical attention or getting tested for listeria. The outbreak has been identified in states including New York, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, with a median age of 75 among those affected.
Authorities are still investigating the specific products that may be contaminated, with turkey, liverwurst, and ham being among the most commonly consumed meats reported by affected individuals. Samples collected between May 29 and July 5 suggest that the outbreak may extend beyond the known states.
Listeria is a rare but potentially deadly infection caused by consuming food contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. Pregnant women, older adults, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of severe illness from listeriosis.
Symptoms of listeria infection include diarrhea and vomiting, with more severe cases leading to fever, flu-like symptoms, and other serious complications. Invasive listeriosis is particularly dangerous, with about 1 in 6 affected individuals who are not pregnant succumbing to the illness.
The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention, with specific recommendations for high-risk individuals to avoid consuming sliced deli meats unless thoroughly reheated. Additionally, precautions such as cleaning refrigerated items and following Agriculture Department guidelines can help prevent the spread of listeria in delicatessens. Stay informed and stay safe.
Vocabulary List:
- Listeria /lɪˈstɪəriə/ (noun): A genus of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
- Outbreak /ˈaʊt.breɪk/ (noun): A sudden occurrence of a disease in a specific area.
- Contaminated /kənˈtæmɪneɪtɪd/ (adjective): Made impure or unclean by the introduction of harmful substances.
- Reheated /riːˈhiːtɪd/ (verb): Heated again after having been previously cooked.
- Symptoms /ˈsɪmptəmz/ (noun): Physical or mental features indicating a condition of disease.
- Precautions /prɪˈkɔːʃənz/ (noun): Measures taken in advance to prevent harm or ensure safety.
