CDC investigating listeria outbreak in US: All you need to know

Across several states in the USA, at least one person has died and 22 have been hospitalised as a result of a listeria epidemic, a food-borne illness that is especially harmful to pregnant women, older adults, and those with impaired immune systems.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organisations are investigating the outbreak, which began on January 24, 2021, according to the CDC. The most recent case documented as of Friday was on June 21. The sick folks are from ten different states, extending from Colorado to Minnesota to Massachusetts.

Twenty of those who became ill lived or travelled to Florida in the month before becoming ill, but the CDC said in a report released Thursday that the importance of that detail is still being investigated.

According to Elliot Ryser, a professor of food science and human nutrition at Michigan State University, such epidemics are often connected to a specific food product consumed by the persons affected.

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“As to what product, we don’t really have a clue” Ryser stated.

Raw milk cheeses, deli meat, and fresh fruit are common culprits. People in high-risk categories should avoid these items.

According to the CDC, the 23 patients infected in the current outbreak ranged in age from one to 92. In Illinois, one person died. Five of the patients were expecting, and one foetus was miscarried.

“The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” read the CDC report. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

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Every year, millions of people become ill from food-borne infections in the United States, yet only around 1,600 cases of listeria are confirmed, according to the CDC. Approximately 260 of these are usually deadly.

Listeria symptoms can range from mild and flu-like to fever, stiff neck, disorientation, and convulsions. If you are at high risk, the CDC recommends that you contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Most individuals, according to Ryser, are not concerned about the outbreak.

“If you’re normal and healthy, listeria really is not a major health issue,” he assured. “People are exposed to it probably on a weekly or biweekly basis in very low numbers.”