January 1, Summer Sandwich Scare: CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

As we revel in the heart of the summer season, many of us look forward to an outdoor picnic or a day at the beach with a cooler full of our favorite sandwiches. However, if ham or turkey is your go-to, be prepared for a health setback. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat, a situation that could put a damper on your summer plans.

This outbreaks, according to the CDC, is showing signs of spreading in 12 states, casting a potential pall over summer cookouts and picnics. As of Friday, 28 individuals in these states have been infected with the outbreak strain and, regrettably, two people have passed away so far – one each in New Jersey and Illinois.

New York carries the heaviest burden, with seven to eight reported infections. Maryland follows close behind with five to six infections. Other states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Illinois – all reported one to two infections. Everyone affected ended up in the hospital as per the CDC.

The true number of infections may actually be greater than reported. The CDC has suggested some individuals might have been infected and recovered without seeking medical help or being tested for Listeria.

In an investigation, the CDC managed to interview 18 individuals from the outbreak. A stunning 89 percent confirmed that they had consumed meats sliced at supermarket and grocery store delis. Turkey, ham, and liverwurst were the most commonly named culprits.

However, there’s still not enough data to pinpoint the exact meats causing the outbreak. The race is on as investigators scramble to gather more information. No official recall has been put out so far.

Symptoms from Listeria infection usually manifest about two weeks after digesting contaminated food. In some cases, signs of infection could appear on the same day or delay to up to 10 weeks. Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue are common symptoms, alongside headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures, as per the CDC’s information.

Listeria infection poses a significant threat to pregnant women, those 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems. The bacteria are more likely to spread throughout their body, leading to a serious condition known as invasive listeriosis.

For pregnant women, the symptoms may present as fever and flu-like signs such as muscle aches and fatigue. In the worst-case scenario, the condition could result in pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a severe infection in a newborn. (One pregnant individual did fall sick due to the current outbreak but thankfully recovered without experiencing a miscarriage.)

The elderly and immunocompromised risk severe illness and even death from a Listeria infection. The CDC is urging anyone who suspects they have Listeria symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately. High-risk individuals are advised to avoid deli meats sliced at a deli counter unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until “steaming hot”. Heating food can kill Listeria, but the bacteria can still multiply in the fridge.

In case of Listeria infection, local or state health officials may contact you to trace back your eating habits in the month before falling sick. This strategy helps isolate the specific deli products that could be contaminated.

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