Listeria monocytogenes multistate outbreak - Unknown Source

United States

Update June 13, 2023

CDC announced that this outbreak is over, as of June 13, 2023. To this date, a total of 19 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 16 states (AR, CA, CO, IL, LA, MI, MO, NC, NE, NY, OK, PA, SD, TX, WI and WA). 18 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Sick people’s samples were collected from July 3, 2018, to March 31, 2023.

When this investigation began, there was not enough information to identify the source of the outbreak. Epidemiologic data showed that leafy greens were a likely source of the outbreak. However, there was not enough other data to identify a specific type or producer of leafy greens. 3 people ate leafy greens at the long-term care facilities they lived in, and 1 person ate leafy greens at a hospital they worked in. People bought leafy greens and different brands of packaged salads from several stores.

Source: CDC

Update April 21, 2023

As of April 20, 2023, a total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 15 states (AR, CA, CO, IL, LA, MI, MO, NC, NE, NY, PA, SD, TX, WI and WA). 17 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Sick people’s samples were collected from July 3, 2018, to March 31, 2023. A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

February 15, 2023

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak.

As of February 14, 2023, a total of 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 10 states (AR, CA, CO, MI, MO, NC, NY, PA, SD and WA). 10 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Sick people’s samples were collected from July 3, 2018, to January 31, 2023.

Public health officials are interviewing people in this outbreak to find out what foods they ate before getting sick.

According to CDC, Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

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.

Source: www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-02-23/index.html