Tengrinews.kz - At least two people have died and nearly 30 others have fallen ill due to a listeria outbreak apparently connected to deli meats sliced at American grocery stores, according to The New York Times. The publication references data from federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The deaths were recorded in Illinois and New Jersey. Since May, 28 people have been hospitalised in 12 states due to infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
"Many people during this outbreak are reporting eating meat that they have had cut up for them at deli counters," the material said.
Cases have also been reported in Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. New York had the most cases with seven, followed by Maryland with six.
It is emphasised, however, that the real number of people infected is likely to be much higher.
"According to the study, patients with positive samples for bacteria between 29 May and 5 July were aged between 32 and 94 years. Among them was also one pregnant woman who recovered," the material indicates.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is trying to find the suppliers of deli meats purchased during the outbreak.
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection, the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches and fatigue. The infection can cause miscarriage, premature birth and serious infections in newborns. For the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can be dangerous and lead to hospitalisation or death.
