Multi-State Listeria Outbreak Linked To Deli Meats Kills Person In Florida

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about a multi-state listeria outbreak linked to deli meats. The CDC said that one person in Florida died, while nine others were hospitalized. There were seven cases in Massachusetts and two cases in New York.

The agency said that the individuals all "reported eating Italian-style meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto." Some of the meats were sliced fresh at a deli, while others were prepackaged.

"A specific type of deli meat and common supplier have not yet been identified," the CDC said.

Listeria can cause a fever, muscle aches, and loss of balance. Pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to the infection. Symptoms usually start within one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with listeria, though some people have reported symptoms up to 70 days after exposure. Infections during pregnancy can result in a life-threatening infection of the newborn.

The CDC said that deli meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating. The agency warned that listeria can "survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces." Prepackaged meat should be refrigerated and should not be kept longer than two weeks. Meat sliced at a deli should be kept no longer than five days.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content