The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning of a multi-state listeria outbreak after two people died, and 28 people got sick from the infection linked to sliced deli meat.

"As of July 19, 2024, a total of 28 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 12 states," the CDC news release stated.

New York has reported the most cases at seven. Other states with reported cases include Maryland, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

"Of 28 people with information available, all have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey," the news release stated.

However, the officials cautioned that the actual number of individuals affected by the outbreak may be higher than reported, and the outbreak might extend beyond the states with confirmed cases. Many people recover without seeking medical attention, and hence, may not get tested for Listeria. It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to confirm if a sick person is part of an outbreak, so the recent illnesses may not be accounted for.

When the health officials interviewed the affected individuals about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick, most of them reported eating a variety of meats sliced at deli counters. An analysis showed that they were more likely to eat deli-sliced turkey and liverwurst. However, the CDC cannot yet pinpoint which specific deli meats are responsible for the outbreak.

"Of the 18 people able to be interviewed, 16 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli, most commonly deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. Meats were sliced at a variety of supermarket and grocery store delis," the news release stated.

Meanwhile, officials advise high-risk individuals, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, to avoid eating deli-sliced meats, unless they are thoroughly heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. They also recommend cleaning the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats. If anyone develops symptoms after consuming deli meats, they are advised to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Listeria usually begin within 2 weeks of eating contaminated food but can start the same day or up to 10 weeks later. Pregnant individuals typically experience fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Others may have these symptoms along with headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.

Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in newborns. In those 65 or older and individuals with weakened immune systems, it often leads to hospitalization and sometimes death.

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