Deli meat outbreak hits before students return to school

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Two cases of Listeria have been reported in Georgia according to the CDC.

The outbreak has been reported in 12 states, including Georgia with 28 deaths.

News 3 spoke with a local infection preventionist who says listeria is common and the CDC and local health agencies identify an outbreak once or twice a year.

The CDC defines Listeria as a bacteria that grows from a body tissue or fluid such as blood, spinal fluid, or the placenta.  The bacteria can spread to food that touches contaminated equipment or surfaces.

Charley Glass, an infection preventionist with Piedmont Columbus Regional shares outbreaks are only tracked if they become invasive.

The CDC says an invasive illness can be treated with antibiotics.

Glass told WRBL if the bacteria were to transfer outside of the gut into the blood, central spinal fluid, etc. it would be invasive. She says it could travel to the brain.

The bacteria are most likely to sicken people who are pregnant and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can vary depending on the person.

Glass says the bacteria is transferred to food that touches contaminated equipment or surfaces.

She says parents sending children back to school should not be worried as prepackaged meat is safe and has not been recalled.

For more information about Listeria, click here.

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