Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat includes Pennsylvania

A listeria outbreak linked to deli meat has affected 12 states — including Pennsylvania, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two people have died, and there have been at least 28 people infected, the CDC said. No recalls have been issued.

“Investigators are collecting information to determine the specific products that may be contaminated,” the CDC said. “Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminated with listeria.”

The Washington Post said the median age of those infected is 75, and states where infections have been reported include: New York (7 cases); Maryland (6); Virginia (2); New Jersey (2); Massachusetts (2); Georgia (2); Missouri (2); Illinois (1); Pennsylvania (1); North Carolina (1); Wisconsin (1) and Minnesota (1).

The two known deaths occurred in Illinois and New Jersey, the Post said.

The listeria outbreak “may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC said, according to the Post. Samples from those infected were collected between May 29 and July 5, and “recent illnesses may not yet be reported,” the CDC said.

It can take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak, according to the CDC.

Though investigators are still determining specific products that may be contaminated, the most commonly consumed meats were turkey, liverwurst and ham, the Post reported. The CDC said there was no evidence to date that people were getting sick from prepackaged deli meats.

Listeria, which can be especially harmful for those who are pregnant, 65 or older or who have a weakened immune system, can spread “easily” through deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food, according to the CDC. Those people should not eat deli meat, the CDC said, unless it is reheated.

Reheating deli meat to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating will kill any potential germs, the CDC said, but refrigeration does not kill listeria.

The Post said the first and most common symptoms of listeria infection are diarrhea and vomiting, which typically begin within 24 hours of eating the contaminated food and usually last one to three days.

For those who are not pregnant, listeria symptoms can include: fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures, according to the CDC.

For those who are pregnant, symptoms can include a fever, muscle aches and tiredness as well. However, the CDC said listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth — as well as serious illness or death in newborns.

The investigation into the listeria outbreak is still active, according to the CDC website.