Two people have died and at least 28 have been hospitalized after a listeria outbreak spanned several states.
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More details on deaths and hospitalizations related to the outbreak
According to CNNthe CDC announced the outbreak in a investigation notice published on Friday, July 19. The outlet notes that the “actual number of people” who have caught the outbreak “is likely higher than what has been reported.”
CNN adds that a “milder form of the disease” could have affected these people and added that there is “a time lag between the moment an illness happens and the moment scientists are able to connect it to an ongoing investigation”.
O CDC notes that listeria symptoms “start within two weeks” of eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can also begin on the same day of contamination or “up to ten weeks later.”
What triggered the listeria outbreak?
CNN reports that of 18 affected individuals who were interviewed, 16 reported eating “sliced meats from a deli” within a month of their illness. However, none reported “getting sick after eating packaged deli meat.”
At this time, it is still unclear which meat caused the outbreak. Some individuals reported eating turkey, while others reported eating liverwurst and ham. Additionally, it is still unclear where the outbreak began. Fox 35 Orlando notes that “most of the cases” were reported in New York. However, the two individuals who died were reportedly located in Illinois and New Jersey.
Scroll down to see additional states with cases linked to the outbreak.
What should you do if you have symptoms?
According to CNNListeria infection can trigger symptoms such as “fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.” Additionally, individuals may also experience headaches, “stiff neck, confusion, or seizures.”
O CDC notes that the infection can be “especially” harmful to those who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant or are elderly.
“This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond the intestine to other parts of the body, resulting in a serious condition known as invasive listeriosis,” the CDC reports.
According to CNNListeriosis is the “third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.”
O CDC The CDC is urging people who are most susceptible to the infection to avoid eating meat they cut at a deli unless it has been heated internally to at least 165 degrees. Additionally, the organization is asking consumers to clean their refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that have come into contact with deli products and to call a healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of the above symptoms.
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What do you think, roommates?