Investigation Notice regarding an outbreak of Listeria Monocytogenes in multiple states.

Key points:

• In 12 states, 28 people have been infected by the outbreak strain Listeria Monocytogenes. Two deaths and 28 hospitalizations have been reported. One in Illinois and another one in New Jersey.
• In interviews with people who were sick, 16 out of 18 (89%) said they had eaten meats that were sliced on deli counters. We are continuing our investigation to identify which deli meats may be contaminated. No information is available to indicate that prepackaged deli products are causing people to become ill.

What you should do:

• People at greater risk of getting sick from Listeria are advised to avoid meats that have been sliced by deli counters. Meats should be heated internally until 165degF, or until steaming is reached just before serving.
• Clean the refrigerator, containers and surfaces that have been touched by sliced deli meats.
• If you are experiencing symptoms and have recently eaten meats that were sliced on deli counters, call your doctor.
• Businesses should adhere to USDA-FSIS Best practices when it comes to preventing Listeria contamination.

Listeria:

• Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness (known in the medical world as invasive Listeriosis), when it spreads beyond the gut and into other parts of the human body.
• Most pregnant women experience fatigue and muscle pains. Listeria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth during pregnancy. It can also lead to premature birth, life-threatening infection in the infant, and even death.
• Non-pregnant women may also experience headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss in balance, convulsions and fever, as well as muscle aches and fever.
• The symptoms of severe illness begin 1 to 4 week after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but they can start the same day as well as up to 70 days later.

You can contact the health department of a specific state if you have any questions.

Please accept my sincere thanks