A Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has sickened 10 people in three states with one reported death, according to federal health officials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an investigation notice indicating that they were investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to deli meats.

According to CDC, a specific type of deli meat and common supplier have not yet been identified. State and local public health officials interviewed ill people about the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. Of the nine people interviewed, all reported eating Italian-style deli meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.

Currently, there have been seven cases from Massachusetts, two from New York, and one from Florida. All 10 people were hospitalized, and the death was reported in Florida.

Listeria can spread easily to other foods and surfaces. The bacteria in a contaminated deli product may spread to other deli meats and cheeses in shared display cases or equipment at deli counters. A traceback investigation is ongoing to determine if there is a specific type of deli meat or a common supplier linked to illness.

People who are at higher risk of getting sick from Listeria should avoid eating deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 °F or until steaming hot just before serving.

​This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates when more information becomes available.