Foodborne Listeria Outbreak Associated with Deli Goods Results in One Death, Miscarriage
A multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with meat and cheese from deli counters has resulted in 13 hospitalizations, one death, and one miscarriage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health and regulatory officials in several states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating the foodborne illness outbreak.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data shows that meat and cheese from deli counters contaminated with L. monocytogenes are making people sick. Investigators are still working to identify any specific products or delis that may be contaminated with the outbreak strain. CDC is advising vulnerable persons to not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F.