"Deli Meat Danger: Unveiling the Listeria Outbreak"

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A listeria outbreak has claimed two lives and infected 28 people across 12 states in the US. The outbreak, linked to sliced deli meats, has been ongoing since May, according to the CDC.

The states affected include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

The two fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. One pregnant woman also contracted listeria but recovered without losing her pregnancy, highlighting the outbreak's seriousness.

Most people who fell ill reported eating various meats sliced at deli counters. Commonly consumed meats included turkey, liverwurst, and ham, all from different supermarkets and grocery stores.

The CDC's investigations suggest deli-sliced meats are the likely source of the outbreak. However, they currently lack sufficient information to pinpoint the exact type of deli meat responsible.

Interestingly, there is no evidence linking prepackaged deli meats to this outbreak. The focus remains on meats sliced at deli counters, urging caution among consumers.

The actual number of listeria cases may be higher than reported. Some individuals recover without medical intervention and thus remain untested and unreported, complicating the outbreak's true extent.

The CDC notes that recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the three-to-four-week period needed to confirm if someone is part of the outbreak. The situation could be more widespread.

The USDAFSI Service is actively working to identify the supplier of the contaminated deli meats. This step is crucial in preventing further infections.

The CDC advises avoiding deli meats unless they are heated before consumption. This is particularly important for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of listeria include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.