Deli Meat Outbreak Update: 11 Infections, 1 Death
The CDC has released an update on the Deli Meat Outbreak, which has now caused 11 infections and one death. The 11 illnesses were reported in three different states: Florida (1), Massachusetts (7), and New York (3). All 11 victims of the outbreak have required hospitalization, and Florida has reported one death, though it has not been determined if the Listeria infection was the cause of death. While interviewing ten of the victims, the CDC determined that all ten victims had consumed Italian-style meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto, both pre-packaged and sliced meats from various deli locations in the month before presenting symptoms. The CDC is currently leading the investigation to determine if a specific type of deli meat or common supplier is the source of the outbreak.
National Listeria Lawyer Ron Simon warns against the dangers of a Listeria infection in pregnant women, stating that:
“Listeriosis can be a severe infection for those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children and those with autoimmune disorders, but also with pregnant women, who are at the upmost risk due to the changes in their bodies that allow the bacteria to pass the neo-natal barrier. In fact, studies have routinely shown that pregnant women are 10 times more likely to be infected with listeriosis than anyone else and the infection often results in a severe infection in the fetus and can lead to miscarriages and the loss of the fetus.”
Most Listeria Lawyers agree: “While it is advised against for pregnant women to consume deli meat, any deli meat pregnant women ingest should first be cooked throughly, to destroy any potential Listeria bacteria.”
According to the CDC, Listeria monocytogenes is the food borne illness causing bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. In pregnant women, listeriosis often presents as flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In those that are not pregnant women, listeriosis symptoms include confusion, a stiff neck, loss of balance, fever, muscle aches, and a headache. Symptoms of listeriosis typically develop 1 to 4 weeks after consumption, though cases have presented symptoms as early as one day and as late as 70 days after exposure. If you believe you are suffering from listeriosis, contact your physician immediately for the best course of treatment.
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeat-10-20/index.html
