According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a recent listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has affected 28 people in 12 states and resulted in one death in New Jersey.
Many of the patients in the outbreak have reported consuming deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. The outbreak has resulted in the hospitalization of all affected individuals.
Listeria cannot spread through the air or by coming into contact with sick people. Eating food contaminated with the listeria bacteria is how it is contracted. Cold foods pose the greatest risk.
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What is listeriosis? Is Listeria Deadly
One foodborne illness is listeriosis. Listeriosis is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Nature frequently contains Listeria monocytogenes, particularly in the form of soil, groundwater, decomposing vegetation, and animal excrement (poop).
The majority of cases of listeriosis are caused by contaminated food. There is variation in the duration of the listeriosis incubation period, which is the interval between infection and onset of symptoms. Though it can take as little as a few days or as long as three months, it typically takes one to two weeks.
Listeria and L. monocytogenes are other names for listeriosis.
What signs and symptoms are present?
The basic symptoms are comparable to those of common food infections.
- a high temperature of 100F or above
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
If the germs spread outside of your stomach, you could experience severe symptoms of listeria. Your central nervous system may sustain damage from the bacteria if it enters your bloodstream. This may cause symptoms like seizures, disorientation, and loss of balance.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious symptom that requires medical attention. There is a 20–30% chance of death at this point in the illness.
In what foods is listeria found?
Contaminated foods are the most common cause of listeriosis infections. The most common foods that cause listeriosis include:
- cooked sliced meats and cured meats
- smoked fish and cooked shellfish
- blue veined and mould-ripened soft cheeses, like camembert and brie
pâté - pre-prepared sandwiches and salads
- some pre-prepared fruit, including melon slices
- unpasteurised milk
- dairy products made from unpasteurised milk
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Who is affected by listeriosis?
Listeriosis can strike anyone. For people with a strong immune system, it is less harmful, though. The following people have the highest chance of getting seriously sick or passing away:
- Individuals who are pregnant.
- Growing fetuses.
- Those who are 65 years of age or older.
People on prescribed immunosuppressive medications or those with compromised immune systems, typically as a result of another illness (such as cancer or AIDS).
