Listeria Outbreak: Deli Meat Linked to Illnesses & Deaths – CDC Alert

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at deli counters. As of Friday, November 21, 2024, the agency reports 28 confirmed cases across 12 states, with two fatalities reported in Illinois and Modern Jersey. This outbreak underscores the potential risks associated with consuming deli-prepared meats and highlights specific precautions for vulnerable populations.

Understanding Listeria and Invasive Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called invasive listeriosis. Unlike many foodborne illnesses that primarily cause gastrointestinal distress, Listeria can spread beyond the gut, affecting other parts of the body. The CDC investigation began after identifying a common strain of the bacteria in samples collected from individuals across multiple states. Details of the investigation, including case counts and state-level information, are available on the CDC website.

Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups are at significantly higher risk of severe illness. These include pregnant people, individuals aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant people, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Symptoms in pregnant individuals are often milder, typically presenting as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, which can make diagnosis challenging. Non-pregnant individuals may experience more pronounced symptoms, including headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, alongside fever and muscle aches.

The Deli Counter Connection: What the Data Shows

The current outbreak is strongly linked to meats sliced at deli counters. Interviews with 18 individuals who became ill revealed that 16 (89%) had reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters prior to their illness. The CDC investigation is ongoing to pinpoint the specific deli meat(s) responsible for the contamination. Importantly, the agency has stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that prepackaged deli meats are a source of infection. Early reports suggest deli-sliced turkey and liverwurst were more commonly reported among those affected, but the CDC emphasizes that this does not definitively identify the source. WHYY News provides additional coverage of the outbreak and its impact.

Symptoms and Timelines: What to Watch For

Symptoms of severe illness typically begin between one and four weeks after consuming contaminated food, although the onset can range from the same day to as late as 70 days after exposure. This extended timeframe can complicate outbreak investigations, as it makes tracing the source of infection more difficult. Given the potential for delayed symptom onset, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of listeriosis, particularly if you have recently consumed deli-prepared meats.

What Steps Can You Seize?

The CDC recommends that individuals at higher risk for listeriosis avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or until steaming hot immediately before serving. This heating process effectively kills the Listeria bacteria. Thorough cleaning of refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats is advised. If you experience symptoms of Listeria infection after consuming deli meats, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Public Health Response and Ongoing Surveillance

The CDC, in collaboration with state public health departments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), is actively collecting data to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further illnesses. This includes laboratory testing of samples from sick individuals and traceback investigations to identify the specific deli meat products involved. NBC Chicago reported on the initial cases and the ongoing investigation in July 2024. The USDA-FSIS is likewise working with deli operators to reinforce best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.

Guidance Updates and Future Considerations

The CDC’s investigation is ongoing, and guidance may be updated as more information becomes available. The agency emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance to detect and respond to future outbreaks of Listeria infections. This includes monitoring illness trends, conducting laboratory investigations, and collaborating with food safety partners to identify and address potential contamination sources. The CDC also provides resources for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis.

For the latest updates and information on this outbreak, please refer to the CDC website and your state’s health department.