2 People Die As Listeria Outbreak Connected To Deli Meat Spreads Across 12 States

A dangerous listeria outbreak is making its way across the United States through deli meat, resulting in at least 28 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. Affected individuals all seem to have eaten contaminated deli meat, though no specific brand or grocery store is a known culprit. Keep reading for more information.

Listeria Outbreak Connected To Deli Meat In 12 States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least two people have died and more than two dozen other individuals have been hospitalized , and the common denominator between all of these cases appears to be deli meat.

"Many people in this outbreak are reporting eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters ," the CDC reported. The known deaths were recorded in Illinois and New Jersey, but cases have been reported in Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin as well.

2 People Die As A Result Of Listeria Outbreak

Listeria is a bacteria that is extremely dangerous when consumed, especially when it comes to people who are pregnant, people who are at least 65 years old, and people with weakened immune systems. While in this case, the contaminated products are most likely deli meats, listeria also commonly contaminates leafy greens, ice cream , peaces, nectarines, and plums.

So far, there has been no evidence of listeria infections tied to prepackaged meats, only freshly sliced meats at deli counters. "Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food," the CDC explained. "Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats."

However, if your go-to lunch is a turkey or ham sandwich, you may want to be careful in the coming weeks until this listeria outbreak is under control.