Over 50 people hospitalised, 9 dead in Listeria outbreak: All you need to know about bacterial infection

Over 50 people have been hospitalized and 9 deaths were reported in the

Listeria outbreak

, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (

CDC

).
As per the data released by the CDC, a total of 57 people have been hospitalised and 6 new deaths including one from Florida, one from Tennessee, one from New Mexico, one from New York, and two from South Carolina were reported.

This is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe.

What is Listeria outbreak?
Listeria, a resilient bacterium, can persist on various surfaces, including meat slicers, and contaminate food items, even when stored at cold temperatures. The onset of listeriosis symptoms may take up to 10 weeks in some individuals. When the bacteria migrate from the gut to other bodily regions, it can lead to a serious condition called

invasive listeriosis

.
Source of outbreak
Recent evidence from epidemiological studies, laboratory analyses, and traceback investigations has revealed that

deli meats

, particularly those sliced at the deli counter, such as "

Boar's Head brand liverwurst

," have been found to be contaminated with Listeria bacteria. This

contamination

has been linked to cases of illness among consumers.
Deli products, especially those that are sliced or prepared on-site, are susceptible to Listeria contamination. The bacteria can easily spread throughout the deli environment, including equipment, surfaces, workers' hands, and the food itself. It is important to note that refrigeration alone is not sufficient to eliminate Listeria, as the bacteria can survive at cold temperatures. However, thoroughly reheating these meats to a sufficiently high temperature before consumption can effectively kill any Listeria that may be present.
What are the symptoms of Listeria Olympics?
According to Dr B S Ravindra, Director, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, "Listeria infection (listeriosis) manifests with symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or septicemia, posing heightened risks to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems."
The infection can cause significant discomfort and health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from listeriosis. These complications may include meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, or septicemia, a serious bloodstream infection.
What you should do?
If you have any recalled deli products in your possession, do not consume them. Instead, dispose of them properly or reach out to the store where you purchased them to inquire about potential returns.
Individuals who are more susceptible to Listeria infections, including pregnant women, people aged 65 or older, and those with compromised immune systems, should refrain from consuming meats sliced at deli counters unless they have been heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
To minimize the risk of contamination, thoroughly clean your refrigerator, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats.
If you have recently consumed meats sliced at deli counters and are experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection, it is important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Establishments that have received recalled meats should implement additional safety measures, such as thorough cleaning and sanitizing of their facilities. They should also discard any opened sliced meats and cheeses in their deli sections. Furthermore, businesses are advised to adhere to the best practices outlined by the USDA-FSIS for managing Listeria contamination in deli areas.