CDC: Listeria epidemic linked to cold cuts



[ad_1]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still investigating a multi-year Listeria outbreak that is linked to cold cuts or cheese contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak has hospitalized 8 people – a person was from Michigan and has since died.

According to an announcement made Wednesday by the CDC, 8 sick people were exposed to the same strain of listeria. Listeriosis cases have been reported in four states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

The survey began in 2017 and examined the details of the diseases of several people infected with listeria monocytogenes between November 2016 and February 2017. The CDC collaborated with state health departments to gather information on interviews with sick people on their meals and practices during the month before getting sick.

During the interviews, the CDC found that 6 out of 8 patients reported eating sliced ​​products at the deli counter. Charcuteries were purchased items that served many different brands of products, but there is little information on the specific brands purchased by these diseased subjects, says the CDC.

Tips for consumers and retailers
The CDC does not recommend people to avoid charcuterie or cheese, but if you belong to a particular risk group, it may be wise to think about it. According to the CDC, pregnant women 65 years of age or older or already weakened with the immune system put you in a risk group.

You can take steps to prevent Listeria infection:

  • Do not let fruit juice from meat and lunch hot dog wrappers be found on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces.
  • Wash your hands after handling cold cuts, cold cuts, cold cuts and hot dogs.
  • Store sliced ​​meat packages at a local grocery store within 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Retailers must frequently clean and disinfect deli slicers and other places where deli products are prepared, stored or served. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the strength and application of the disinfectant to ensure its effectiveness.

  • Regularly clean surfaces, equipment and utensils in contact with food in direct contact with meat products, such as cutting boards, tables, cheese slicers and knives.
  • Make sure food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, are smooth, sealed, non-porous and easy to clean.

All people exposed to listeria are not sick, but when they do, it can cause serious illness. Listeria causes listeriosis, an infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Symptoms may include fever with diarrhea, muscle pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as headache. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, they may also experience stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor after eating deli or sliced ​​cheese.

►Make sure it's easy to keep abreast of this kind of stories. Download now the application 13 ON YOUR SIDE.

Do you have any advice? Email [email protected], visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

[ad_2]
Source link