CDC investigates listeria outbreak linked to deli meat

On Friday, CDC announced that it is investigating a nationwide outbreak of listeria, which has been linked to meat sold at U.S. deli counters.

Listeria is a foodborne illness that is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which is found naturally in soil and can contaminate many foods. Listeria affects around 1,600 people in the United States each year, and of these infections, 260 people die. It is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.

Symptoms of listeria include fever, headache, muscle fatigue and aches, seizures, confusion, and more. Certain individuals are also at a higher risk of serious and potentially fatal infections, including those who are pregnant, those 65 and older, children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Currently, the agency is collecting data on what products may be contaminated, but noted that                 "[m]any people in this outbreak are reporting eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters." The most consumed meats were turkey, liverwurst, and ham. So far, there are no reports of people getting sick after eating prepackaged deli meat.

"Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food," CDC said.

So far, 28 people have been hospitalized in 12 states, and two people have died. The states with the largest outbreaks are New York (seven) and Maryland (six). However, the agency said that the true number of people infected is likely higher.

According to NPR, this is the second foodborne outbreak to be reported in the United States this summer. In June, dozens of ice products from Totally Cool were recalled after FDA warned that they may have been contaminated with listeria. Public health authorities in Canada also recently reported two deaths from listeria infections after people consumed plant-based alternatives to dairy milk.

How to protect yourself from listeria

For individuals at higher risk, CDC recommended not eating deli meat sliced at counters unless it has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot before serving. You should also let the meat cool before you eat it.

"Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats," CDC said.

CDC also recommends cleaning your refrigerator, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with affected products.

If you're experiencing symptoms of listeria, you should call your health provider right away. CDC has also asked people to provide information about specific deli products that may have been contaminated with listeria.

"If you are sick with Listeria, local or state health officials may contact you to find out what you ate in the month before you got sick," CDC said. "They may also ask for copies of receipts, your shopper card number, or leftover food for testing."

Businesses should follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for controlling listeria. (Schmall, New York Times, 7/20; Rosman, NPR, 7/20; Associated Press, 7/20; Vinall, Washington Post, 7/20; Grothaus, Fast Company, 7/22; CDC investigation notice, 7/19)

Writing for the New York Times, Dana Smith outlines everything you need to know about eight common illnesses, including how long you're contagious with them.