At least two people have died and more than 20 have been hospitalized after an outbreak of listeria food poisoning linked to sliced meat at a grocery store deli counter, according to federal health officials.He said on Friday.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 28 people have been infected in 12 states, with the most deaths occurring in New York, with seven in the state. The deaths have occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. Samples were collected between May 29 and July 5, and so far, all known cases have been hospitalized.
Many of the infected people report eating meat that was sliced at the deli counter at the grocery store. According to the CDC, there is currently no information that anyone has become ill from prepackaged deli meats. The most commonly reported foods are turkey, liverwurst, and ham that are sliced at the deli. The CDC does not have enough information to say for certain which deli meats are the source of infection.
Listeria infections usually cause fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and can also cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Symptoms may appear soon after consuming contaminated food or up to 10 weeks later. The infection is particularly dangerous for people over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women who may suffer miscarriage. Those infected range in age from 32 to 94, with an average age of 75. Officials said one pregnant woman fell ill but continued with her pregnancy.
