Listeria outbreak in US: At least 2 dead, 28 infected with food poisoning connected to deli meat

At least two people have died and

28 infected

due to

Listeria outbreak

across 12 states in US, country's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informed on Friday.
The government body advised people to avoid having

deli meat

or heat it to 165°F or steaming hot before consuming it.
"Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems," it said in a statement.

Infection have been reported in 12 states: seven in New York, six in Maryland, and two each in Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, and Virginia. Additionally, one case each was reported in Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey.

Out of the 18 individuals interviewed by state and local public health experts, 16 (89%) mentioned consuming deli-sliced meats in the month leading up to their illness. There have been no reported cases of illness linked to packaged deli meat consumption.
Talking about the source of outbreak, the government body said, "Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food. 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 symptoms may start within two weeks of eating Listeria infected food. It may even start the same day or after 10 weeks, CDC said. The body stated following symptoms for pregnant and non-pregnant people: