At Least Two Dead More Than Two Dozen Sickened

Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

At Least Two Dead, More Than Two Dozen Sickened

CDC Issues Warning, Advising People to Avoid Eating Deli Meats

At least two people have died and more than two dozen others have been sickened in an outbreak of listeria that has been linked to deli meats, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC issued a warning Friday, advising people who are at high risk for listeriosis to avoid eating deli meats, including cold cuts, hot dogs, and luncheon meats.

The outbreak has been linked to sliced deli meats from a single supplier, according to the CDC. Investigators are still working to determine the specific source of the contamination.

Listeriosis is a serious infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, listeria can cause meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for listeriosis.

The CDC is advising people who are at high risk for listeriosis to avoid eating deli meats until further notice. People who are not at high risk for listeriosis should still be cautious and only eat deli meats that have been heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Listeriosis is a preventable infection, and the CDC is urging people to take steps to protect themselves from the bacteria. These steps include:

• Avoiding foods that are known to be at high risk for listeria, such as deli meats, unpasteurized milk, and soft cheeses.
• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Cooking meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling food.

If you have any symptoms of listeriosis, it is important to see your doctor right away.