Public Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Kills Two and Hospitalizes 28 Across 12 States

Public health officials have issued a broad health warning about eating meats sliced at any deli counter as they work to trace the source of a listeria outbreak that has killed at least two people and hospitalized at least 28 across a dozen states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a notice on Friday, advising that people over 65, those with weakened immune systems, or those who are pregnant should not eat deli counter-sliced meat unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or is steaming hot. These groups are especially vulnerable to severe listeria infections.

Outbreak Details

Cases tied to the outbreak range from people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 74. The states with confirmed cases are Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The true number of sick people may be higher than reported, as it can take three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak. Additionally, some people may recover without seeking medical care.

Advice for Older Adults

People who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system should avoid eating meats sliced at any deli counter unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. The CDC advises letting the meat cool before consuming it.

In addition to reheating deli meat, the CDC recommends cleaning your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the meats to prevent contamination.

If you experience symptoms of a listeria infection, contact your doctor immediately. If diagnosed with an infection, work with local or state health officials to provide details about what you ate in the month before getting sick.

Expert Insight

“Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, is ubiquitous in the environment and can thrive in various conditions, including refrigerated temperatures,” says Darin Detwiler, an associate professor at Northeastern University and a former FDA and USDA food safety advisor.

Due to these factors, even meats that are initially safe can become contaminated if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, Detwiler explains.

Symptoms of a Listeria Infection

Listeria infections pose a severe threat to people aged 65 and older, who are four times as likely to be infected, according to the CDC. Symptoms of listeria infection include neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Pregnant women usually experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, listeriosis can lead to pregnancy loss or premature birth and can cause serious illness or death in newborns. Anyone who experiences symptoms of severe listeria illness should call their healthcare provider immediately.

About 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeriosis each year, with an average of 260 deaths, according to CDC estimates.

Final Recommendations

Public health officials emphasize the importance of taking precautions during this outbreak. Reheating deli meats and maintaining cleanliness in food preparation areas are key steps to avoid infection. The CDC continues to investigate the source of the outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones during this difficult time.