Largest Outbreak Since 2011 Claims Eight Lives
The United States is currently grappling with a severe outbreak of Listeria, a bacterial infection that has resulted in over 58 reported cases and eight deaths. The latest figures, released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), make this the most significant listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 incident linked to cantaloupe.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a bacterial infection arising from Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium thrives in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals. Notably, Listeria can endure and even proliferate under refrigeration and other food preservation methods. When contaminated food is consumed, it can lead to a disease known as listeriosis.
Symptoms to watch out for
The symptoms of listeriosis can vary widely depending on the individual and the part of the body affected. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of balance
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
In some instances, it may take up to 10 weeks for symptoms to manifest after exposure.
Who is at risk?
Listeria primarily targets pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While others can contract the infection, they rarely become severely ill.
Prevention measures
Listeria is a resilient bacterium capable of spreading to and from food. Certain foods are particularly susceptible to Listeria contamination, including:
- Soft cheeses
- Raw milk
- Deli meats
- Prepared meats
- Pâté
- Cold-smoked fish
- Sprouts
- Melons
To mitigate the risk of infection, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. This includes regularly cleaning the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards, and countertops. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid specific foods such as unpasteurized or raw milk, cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, raw fish, raw sprouts, and other raw foods. Additionally, people with pets should exercise caution to avoid cross-contamination when preparing their pet’s food.
Diagnosis and treatment
Listeria infection is generally diagnosed through laboratory tests that detect the bacterium in a sample of the ill person’s body fluids or tissues.
Treatment for listeriosis varies based on the type and severity of the illness. Antibiotic therapy is the preferred treatment for invasive listeriosis.
As the US confronts its largest Listeria outbreak in over a decade, understanding the risks, symptoms, and preventative measures is crucial for public safety. “Why is my life being upended, my teaching career destroyed?” Chin lamented. “Why is this happening to me when I was only defending my life from a man who unprovokedly attacked me with a deadly weapon?”