The U.S. is facing its most significant listeriosis outbreak in over a decade, with more than 50 reported illnesses and nine fatalities linked to Listeria. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has spread across 18 states, leading to 57 hospitalizations. This marks the most substantial outbreak since 2011, when listeria-contaminated cantaloupe claimed over 30 lives.
Listeria, a resilient bacterium, poses a serious threat to vulnerable populations, including individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and people over 65. Symptoms of listeriosis, which include fever, chills, and headaches, can take up to ten weeks to manifest in some cases, making it a particularly insidious infection.
One of the dangers of listeria is its ability to survive on surfaces such as meat slicers and within foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. However, the bacteria can be eliminated by reheating foods to sufficiently high temperatures before consumption.
The CDC is urging the public, especially those in high-risk groups, to be vigilant about food safety practices and to stay informed about the outbreak’s developments.
