Two people have died so far due to a listeria outbreak In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Friday.
Listeria is the third leading cause of death from Foodborne illness in the country, according to the health agency.
Twenty-eight people in 12 states have reported being sick with listeria infection, with New York and Maryland reporting the highest number of cases.
Listeria outbreak kills three adults in Washington state, health department confirms
The first illness was reported on May 29 and the most recent on July 5, according to CDC data.
The two deaths occurred in Illinois and New Jersey.
Two people have died so far in a listeria outbreak in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Friday. (iStock)
In many cases, the bacterial outbreak has been linked to food consumption by people. sliced meats purchased at deli counters, the CDC said.
The bacteria is known to spread easily in delicatessens and food preparation environments.
Specific brands have not yet been identified, and the CDC said officials are investigating.
Symptoms of listeria
The most common symptoms of infection include fever, fatigue and muscle aches.
Some people also experience neck stiffness, headache, balance problems, seizures or disorientation, according to the CDC.
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These symptoms usually appear within two weeks after eating contaminated food, but may appear before or after that period.
Who is most at risk?
Pregnant people, people over 65 or those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to listeria, the CDC warned.
“This is because listeria is more likely to spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body, resulting in a serious condition known as invasive listeriosis,” the agency said in the alert.
Pregnant women infected with listeria could potentially experience premature birth, miscarriage or stillbirth, the CDC warned. (iStock)
Pregnant women People infected with listeria could potentially suffer premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
It is also possible that the infection can be passed on to the baby, which can be life-threatening.
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“Other people with invasive diseases, most commonly adults 65 years and older and people with weakened immune systems usually get an infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) or the brain (meningitis or encephalitis),” the CDC says.
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For most people outside these high-risk groups, infection is not likely to cause Serious illness.
In many cases, the bacterial outbreak has been linked to people eating sliced meats purchased at deli counters, the CDC said. (iStock)
For people at higher risk, the CDC recommends avoiding eating sliced deli meats unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F and then cooled before eating.
Refrigeration does not kill bacteria, the agency noted.
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The CDC also recommends cleaning all containers and surfaces that may have come in contact with cut deli meats.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of listeria should contact a health care provider Health officials recommend getting it done right away. Most people recover without treatment, but antibiotics may be given in severe cases.
