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A Listeria Epidemic linked to sliced deli meat made eight people sick and led to a death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three cases occurred in Pennsylvania, two in New York, two in Michigan and one in New Jersey.
The eight people were hospitalized. Death has occurred in Michigan.
An investigation revealed that sliced meats and cheeses at the counter may be at the root of the outbreak. During the interviews, all sick people reported eating different types and brands of products, including meat and cheese, sliced at deli counters in many different outlets.
The CDC has not identified a single joint supplier of deli meats and cheeses. The epidemic strain was identified in samples taken from cold cuts and deli counters at several locations.
At present, health officials do not advise consumers to avoid consuming products prepared in delicatessens or retailers to no longer sell sliced products. However, people at higher risk of Listeria infection, including pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems, should avoid eating meat, cold cuts or other deli products, except internal temperature of 165 ° F or until the steam is hot just before serving, advises the CDC.
Symptoms of Listeria infection
Listeriosis, a disease caused by Listeria bacteria, can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the person and the part of the body affected. It can cause fever and diarrhea similar to others foodborne illness.
People with invasive listeriosis – which means that the bacteria has spread beyond the intestine – can present with symptoms of headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of blood. Balance and convulsions, as well as fever and muscle pain.
In pregnant women, invasive listeriosis may manifest as fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. However, infections during pregnancy can be dangerous and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening newborn infection.
The symptoms of invasive listeriosis usually appear one to four weeks after consuming contaminated food, but some people have reported symptoms occurring no later than 70 days after exposure or the same day.
Anyone with symptoms of listeriosis after eating sliced deli products should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for pregnant women, people aged 65 and over or whose immune system is weakened.
How to prevent Listeria infection
Health officials recommend that retailers clean and disinfect deli slicers frequently, as well as other areas where deli meats and cheeses are prepared, stored or served.
The CDC advises consumers to take the following steps to protect themselves from Listeria infection:
- Do not let the juice of meat and lunch hot dog packages settle on other foods, utensils and food preparation surfaces.
- Clean refrigerators, counter tops, utensils and other surfaces that affect sliced products
- Wash your hands after handling deli meats, deli meats, cold cuts and hot dogs.
- Store sliced meat packages at a local grocery store within 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
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