Deli Meat and Cheese linked to Listeria monocytogenes multistate outbreak

United States

Update March 29, 2023

CDC announced that this outbreak is over, as of March 29, 2023. A total of 16 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria were reported from 6 states (CA, IL, MD, MA, NJ and NY). 13 people have been hospitalized, 1 person got sick during their pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss, and 1 death has been reported from MD. Sick people’s samples were collected from April 17, 2021, to September 29, 2022. Epidemiologic and laboratory data showed that meat and cheese from deli counters made people sick. A single deli or food source was not identified.

Source: CDC

November 09, 2022

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, the USDA-FSIS, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Deli Meat and Cheese. As of November 9, 2022, 16 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 6 states (CA, IL, MD, MA, NJ and NY). 13 people have been hospitalized, 1 person got sick during their pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss, and 1 death has been reported from MD. The investigation is ongoing.

Information collected so far shows that deli meat and cheese purchased at deli counters in multiple states are the likely sources of this outbreak. It is difficult for investigators to identify a single food as the source of outbreaks linked to deli meats and cheeses. This is because Listeria spreads easily between food and the deli environment and can persist for a long time in deli display cases and on equipment. A contaminated food likely introduced the outbreak strain of Listeria into delis in multiple states. Investigators are working to identify any specific products or delis that may be contaminated with the outbreak strain.

CDC advises people at higher risk of severe Listeria illness to not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.

In case you are experiencing listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/deli-11-22/index.html