what to know
- There have been 16 confirmed cases of Listeria from the epidemic strain.
- Investigations of infected people have found that most cases result from contaminated meats and cheeses.
- The CDC says the number of sufferers is likely higher than reported.
NEW YORK – An epidemic strain of the Listeria bacterium has infected 16 people in six different states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak resulted in at least 13 hospitalizations and one death. Furthermore, an infected person has suffered a loss of pregnancy due to the disease.
“Listeria can cause serious illness (known as invasive listeriosis) when bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body,” the CDC said.
Laboratory findings and interviews with infected people found cured meats and cheeses to be the culprits in most of these reported cases.
The CDC says the outbreak strain was found in open packs of meats purchased at the NetCost Market international supermarket chain locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Investigators do not believe Netcost Markets delis are the only source of bacteria, as a contaminated food is likely to have introduced the epidemic strain into delis in several states.
The first affected sample collected by CDC in connection with this outbreak was on April 17, 2021, and the most recent sample was collected on September 29, 2022.
“The actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely to exceed the reported number and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known diseases,” said one. investigation notice by the CDC published on November 9, 2022.
Common symptoms of Listeria disease include headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, balance problems, seizures, and muscle aches.
11 of the reported cases were found in people of Eastern European or Russian-speaking origin, but it remains to be determined why this population is disproportionately affected.
People who are pregnant, those aged 65 and over, and those with weakened immune systems are considered to be at high risk for Listeria infection. The CDC recommends cleaning all surfaces exposed to meat and cheese on the deli counter and avoid eating cured meats unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165 ° F or until hot.
The chart below shows the number of reported cases by status:
| state | cases |
| New York | 7 |
| New Jersey | 1 |
| Illinois | 2 |
| Maryland | 3 |
| Massachusetts | 2 |
| California | 1 |
