As U.S. health officials continue to investigate a deadly listeria outbreak, they have issued a warning to pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. These groups are advised to avoid eating sliced deli meats unless they are recooked at home until steaming hot.
Consumers are urged to assess their personal risk level before consuming deli meats
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not mandated a food recall as of early Saturday, due to the lack of clarity on which specific products have been contaminated. This uncertainty means that the contaminated food may still be in circulation. Consumers are urged to assess their personal risk level before consuming deli meats.
Federal health officials caution that the reported number of illnesses is likely an undercount, as individuals who recover at home are less likely to be tested. Consequently, the outbreak may have spread beyond the states where listeria infections have been reported, primarily in the Midwest and along the U.S. eastern coast.
Impact of the outbreak
According to the CDC, New York has the highest number of reported illnesses, with seven cases. The two fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. Among those interviewed by investigators, 89% reported eating meats sliced at a deli, with turkey, liverwurst, and ham being the most commonly consumed. These meats were sliced at various supermarkets and grocery store delis.
Genetic analysis of samples collected from victims between May 29 and July 5 indicates that the bacteria are closely related. “This information suggests that meats sliced at the deli are a likely source of this outbreak. However, at this time, CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of this outbreak,” the CDC stated on its website on Friday.
Understanding listeria infections
Listeria infections typically present with fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and may also cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms can appear quickly or up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food. Diagnosis is usually made by testing bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or spinal fluid.
The CDC highlights that listeria infections are particularly dangerous for individuals over 65 and those with weakened immune systems. The ages of the outbreak victims range from 32 to 94, with a median age of 75.
Pregnant individuals face an increased risk of miscarriages due to listeria. One pregnant victim in the current outbreak did not experience a miscarriage, officials confirmed. Intestinal listeriosis, confined to the gut, can often be treated without antibiotics. However, when the infection spreads beyond the gut, known as invasive listeriosis, it becomes extremely dangerous and typically requires antibiotics to prevent blood infections and brain inflammation.
Safe consumption of deli meats
Currently, there is no indication that prepackaged deli meats are causing illnesses. For those at risk who already have deli slices in their refrigerator, recooking them until steaming hot can sanitize the meat.
“Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats,” the CDC advises.
This recommendation is consistent with long-standing CDC guidance that individuals at higher risk for listeriosis should avoid eating deli-sliced meats or heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consumption.
Historically, listeria has prompted recalls of various products, including cheeses, bean dips, milk, mushrooms, packaged salads, and ice cream. The current advisory underscores the need for vigilance and precaution when consuming deli meats, especially for those most vulnerable to listeria infections.
