Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to deli meat sliced at counters.The CDC published an investigation notice on July 19, announcing that two people have died and at least 28 individuals have been hospitalized in connection with the outbreak. Listeria is a bacteria that can be deadly when consumed by certain groups with weakened immune systems, such as older and pregnant people.According to the CDC notice, many of those affected by the outbreak reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters. No recalls have been issued, but the agency is now directing the public, especially those at high risk of severe illness from listeria, to avoid meats sliced at a deli counter or to reheat the meat thoroughly before consumption. Listeria outbreak in deli meat There is a listeria outbreak in July 2024 affecting deli meat sliced at counters in stores, the CDC announced. The agency said that of the 18 people sick with listeria interviewed for the investigation, 16 ate meats sliced at a variety of grocery store and supermarket deli counters. The most commonly reported meats were sliced:”This information suggests that meats sliced at the deli are a likely source of this outbreak. However, at this time CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of this outbreak,” the CDC said in its investigation notice.Is there a recall over the deli meat listeria outbreak?No, there is currently no deli meat recall tied to the listeria outbreak.States affected by the deli meat listeria outbreakThe 28 confirmed people affected in the outbreak live in 12 different states across the U.S. These states are:GeorgiaIllinoisMassachusettsMarylandMinnesotaMissouriNorth CarolinaNew JerseyNew YorkPennsylvaniaVirginiaWisconsinHowever, identifying whether a sick individual is part of an outbreak can take three to four weeks, so the actual number of people sick from the outbreak is likely higher than reported, the CDC reports.Symptoms of listeriaThe signs and symptoms of listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, vary. Newborns, pregnant individuals, those aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems are at risk of more severe illness from listeria infection, according to the CDC.Signs of listeria in pregnant peopleFeverFlu-like symptoms like muscle aches and fatigueNon-pregnant peopleFever, muscle aches and lethargyHeadache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizuresAccording to the CDC, listeria symptoms can begin within two weeks of consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. However, symptoms can start as early as the consumption day or as late as 10 weeks after eating the food.What deli meat has listeria?In general, deli meats and cold cuts have a higher risk of carrying listeria than other foods, according the CDC.However, in the July 2024 listeria deli meat outbreak, only meats sliced at deli counters in stores seem to be affected. The most commonly reported meats in those who’ve become ill are sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham.Other foods that carry a higher risk of listeria are:Hot dogs and fermented or dry sausagesSoft cheeses, mainly from unpasteurized milk, like queso fresco, brie and camembertUnpasteurized dairy products from raw milkSmoked fishPremade deli saladsHow to prevent listeria from the deli meat outbreakThe CDC advises that pregnant people, those over 65 and with weakened immune systems to do the following:Do not meat sliced at deli counters unless it’s reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool before eating.Clean your fridge and any surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a listeria infection.
