The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a Listeria outbreak that has led to the hospitalization of 28 individuals in 12 states, including two from Massachusetts. According to Boston 25 News, the source of the outbreak is suspected to be linked to deli meats sliced at service counters. However, officials have not yet identified a specific contaminated product or deli. As reported, nearly 90 percent of those affected purportedly consumed deli meats before falling ill.
The outbreak has unfortunately resulted in two deaths, one patient from Illinois, and the other from New Jersey, as noted by NBC Boston. The CDC's statement also highlighted that prepackaged deli meats have not been linked to the outbreak. It is important to note, that while the chances of healthy individuals becoming seriously ill from Listeria are low, the disease poses a significant threat to pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. For those at greater risk, the infection can progress causing headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, Listeria can have devastating impacts such as miscarriage or stillbirth. This is why health authorities are urging those more susceptible to severe illness to avoid consuming meats from deli counters unless thoroughly cooked.
If consumers suspect they might have purchased contaminated meat, health officials have advised them to dispose of it and sanitize any surfaces the product may have contacted. The incubation period for Listeria can vary widely, with symptoms of severe illness usually starting one to four weeks after consumption, but they can appear sooner or later. For anyone with health concerns, the advice is clear: "If you have any concerns, call your health care provider," as per NBC Boston's report. As the outbreak investigation continues, the CDC is working to isolate the cause and prevent further cases.
