Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats hospitalizes dozens and kills one in NJ

The CDC has issued an alert over a multistate listeria outbreak it says may be linked to sliced deli meats.

So far, there have been 28 hospitalizations in 12 states, most of them on the East Coast.

Two deaths have been associated with the outbreak, one New Jersey, the CDC said. The other was in Illinois.

New Jersey has had two people hospitalized because of a listeria infection and New York has seen seven people hospitalized, the most of any state.

The CDC advises that the true number of people infected with listeria is likely higher, given that patients who quickly recover or don't experience severe symptoms seldom seek medical care and are not reported.

Recent cases would not have been counted yet, the CDC said, because it takes time to link infections to an outbreak.

Out of the 18 patients interviewed, 16 reported eating sliced deli meats, most commonly turkey, liverwurst and ham. However, there is not enough information yet to identify which specific deli meat is causing the outbreak, the CDC said.

Reported cases included one of a pregnant woman, who was able to keep her pregnancy after recovery.

What is listeria?

Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate many foods and cause foodborne infections that could be serious and sometimes fatal.

Elderly people, young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to listeria. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

It can cause premature births, miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Those who are pregnant and experiencing fever, muscle aches and tiredness, should contact their health care provider immediately, the CDC advises.

Should I not eat deli meats? How to prevent listeria?

To reduce the risk of contracting a listeria infection, especially if you are 65 or older, pregnant or have a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends the following:

• Don't eat sliced deli meat unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F, or steaming hot.
• Clean your refrigerator and kitchen surface that may have touched deli meats.

Is listeria contagious?

Listeria infections don't spread from person to person. However, pregnant women can pass the infection to their unborn baby.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats hospitalizes dozens and kills one in NJ