Health Officials Investigate Multi State Outbreak Linked To Sliced Foods

Listeriosis Outbreak Kills Two; Authorities Warn Public to Avoid Deli Meats

Health Officials Investigate Multi-State Outbreak Linked to Sliced Foods

More than Two Dozen Fall Ill as Authorities Work to Trace the Source of the Deadly Bacteria

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Friday about a deadly multistate listeria outbreak connected to deli meats. The outbreak has already claimed the lives of two people and sickened at least two dozen others.

Investigators are collecting information to determine the source of the outbreak, but many of those who have fallen ill report eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters. The CDC is advising people who are at high risk for listeria, such as pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems, to avoid eating deli meats until the outbreak is over.

Listeriosis is a serious infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, listeria can cause meningitis, which can be fatal.

The CDC is urging anyone who has eaten deli meats and is experiencing symptoms of listeriosis to contact their healthcare provider immediately.