Credits: Social Media
Deli meats to avoid as deadly Listeria outbreak linked to certain cold foods
A deadly listeria outbreak has been linked to certain deli meats across the US, and these are the foods to avoid.
Two people have died and a further 25 have been hospitalized across 12 states after contracting the serious infection, which is caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium�listeria monocytogenes.
Deli meats to avoid among listeria outbreak
The outbreak is only linked to cold meats that have been sliced at a deli counter, not deli meats that are prepackaged.
Of the 18 hospitalized with listeria who have been interviewed, 16 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli. The three most common meats eaten included turkey, liverwurst, and ham, which were sliced at a variety of grocery store delis.
However, no specific products have currently been recalled and investigators are still trying to determine the exact foods which are contaminated.
To reduce your chance of becoming unwell, avoid eating any cold meats that have been sliced at a deli counter unless it has been reheated until steaming hot. All pre-packaged deli meats appear to be safe to consume.
“Refrigeration does not kill�listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats,” the CDC says.
People have currently contracted the illness in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
It comes as a dangerous tick species is also spreading across the US that can make you allergic to red meat.
Some people are at much higher risk
Listeria�is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system. In these groups,�the bacteria�is more likely to spread to the gut and other parts of the body, causing a severe condition called invasive listeriosis.
For pregnant people, it can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening illnesses in the baby. People aged 65 years or older or who have a weakened immune system are more likely to be hospitalized, and it can sometimes result in death.
The CDC has warned advised anyone who is�pregnant, aged 65 or older, or has a weakened immune system to:
- Not eat any meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165�F or until steaming hot.�
- Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched any sliced deli meats.
- Call your healthcare provider straight away if you have any of these symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
However, anyone can follow this guidance as listeria can make people of all ages unwell.
The common symptoms of listeria
Symptoms of listeria usually start within two weeks after eating a contaminated food, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
MedlinePlus lists the most common symptoms as:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
In mild cases, listeria often gets better on its own through rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, some may need antibiotics.
