Fast Facts
A resident of New Jersey has passed away due to a listeria outbreak that is suspected to be associated with deli meat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.
ListeriaHealth authorities report that the outbreak has resulted in 28 illnesses across 12 states and two fatalities: one in New Jersey and another in Illinois. Additional cases have been identified in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other states.
The CDC states that many of those affected reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters. "Currently, there is no evidence indicating that prepackaged deli meats are causing the illnesses," the CDC mentioned in a statement.
All 28 documented patients have required hospitalization. Notably, one patient contracted the illness while pregnant but recovered without losing the pregnancy.
What People at Higher Risk Should Do
Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
If you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system:
Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
What Businesses Should Do
Follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
"The actual number of cases in this outbreak is likely higher than reported, and it may extend beyond the states with identified cases," health officials explained in a news release. "This is because some individuals recover without seeking medical care and are not tested for Listeria. Additionally, recent cases may not yet be reported, as it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to confirm whether an illness is part of an outbreak."
Samples from affected patients were collected between May 29 and July 5, with patients' ages ranging from 32 to 94 years, and a median age of 75.
State and local health officials are interviewing patients about the foods they consumed in the month prior to falling ill.
"Individuals have reported eating various meats sliced at deli counters. Among the 18 people interviewed, 16 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli, primarily deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham," the CDC noted. "These meats were sliced at different supermarket and grocery store delis."
An analysis indicated that those affected in the outbreak were more likely to have consumed deli-sliced turkey and liverwurst.
"This data suggests that deli-sliced meats are a probable source of this outbreak," the CDC said, although it added that there isn't enough information to identify specific deli meats as the source.
In a similar case in 2022, a listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese sickened at least two individuals in Illinois and resulted in the death of a Maryland resident.
The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals, those 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems contact their healthcare provider if they have any symptoms after consuming deli-sliced meat unless the meat is heated before eating.
