WASHINGTON, D.C. — The CDC has issued an Investigation Notice for a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections. The CDC is urging people who are at high risk for listeriosis to seek health care if they experience any symptoms.
On Friday, the CDC announced it is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to a food product. Twenty-three people have been reported from 10 states, with 22 people hospitalized and one death from Illinois. Five people got sick during their pregnancy, and one illness resulted in a fetal loss.
The CDC says it is working with state and local health departments to identify the source of the infections. Pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe Listeria infection. CDC says it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The CDC is advising people at high risk who have symptoms of a Listeria infection, especially those who have recently traveled to Florida, to talk to their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should report listeriosis illnesses to their health department. This information may help investigators solve this outbreak. Listeria is a serious infection that can cause sepsis, meningitis, or death. It is important for people at high risk to seek medical care right away if they develop symptoms. The CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate this outbreak and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women and their babies. Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. Symptoms of severe illness usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after. Listeria is a serious threat to public health and it is important for everyone to be aware of the dangers it poses. If you think you may have been exposed to Listeria, please see a doctor immediately.
If you have any questions about cases in a particular state, contact that state’s health department. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the situation in their area.
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