Two dead, 28 sick due to Listeria outbreak in multiple states including Virginia

Two people are dead, and 28 have gotten sick due to a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat in 12 states including Virginia.

Investigators are collecting information to determine the specific products that may be contaminated. Those who are ill report they had meat sliced at deli counters between May and July.

Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture are investigating what meat may be to blame, but no recalls have been issued at this time. People who are sick reported turkey, liverwurst or ham and was bought at numerous grocery store delis.

Tests showed that the bacteria among those infected was similar.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older or have a weakened immune system. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

The number of people with Listeria is probably higher than what’s been reported and may have a milder form of the illness and may not have required hospitalization.

If you are sick with Listeria, local or state health officials may contact you to find out what you ate in the month before you got sick. They may also ask for copies of receipts, your shopper card number or leftover food for testing.

If you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system:

• Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
• Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
• Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches and tiredness. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.