Listeria Outbreak: CDC Updates on Deli Meat Illnesses | CDC Newsroom
A multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to deli meats has expanded, with health officials reporting a total of 59 confirmed cases across 19 states as of September 25, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak, first identified earlier this year, has resulted in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths, with the most recent fatality reported in Novel York. While new illness reports have begun to slow, the CDC continues to investigate the source and scope of the contamination. The agency noted that it can take up to 10 weeks for symptoms to appear, and will continue monitoring for new cases for some time.
The CDC’s alert advises consumers not to eat recalled deli meats and to discard any potentially contaminated products or contact retailers for returns. Some recalled products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024. The agency specifically warns individuals at higher risk – pregnant people, those 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems – to avoid consuming meats sliced at deli counters unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) immediately before serving.
Listeria can cause invasive listeriosis, a severe illness that spreads beyond the gut. Symptoms vary depending on the individual. Pregnant people typically experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Non-pregnant individuals may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. Symptoms typically begin one to four weeks after consuming contaminated food, but can appear as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure.
The CDC recommends thorough cleaning and sanitizing of refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats. Businesses that have received recalled meats are urged to implement enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, discarding any opened sliced meats and cheeses and adhering to USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
Recent reports indicate that Kroger has expanded a food recall in connection with the outbreak, acting on warnings from both the CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding potential Listeria risks.
The CDC is continuing to collect information and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses. Individuals with concerns about potential exposure or symptoms of Listeria are advised to contact their healthcare provider. State health departments are available to answer questions regarding cases within their jurisdictions.