2 deaths from listeria in United States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported two deaths from an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that may be traced back to deli meat.

According to the agency, 28 cases — all requiring hospitalization — have been identified across 12 states since May. A majority of the cases have occurred in New York and Maryland, followed by Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Missouri, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Although deli meats are thought to be the source of the outbreak, the CDC is still investigating potential causes and gathering data to make a definitive connection.

The CDC believes healthy Americans in other states may have been affected by the outbreak and recovered without seeking medical assistance. The agency revealed that newborns, pregnant women, elderly individuals and those who are immunocompromised may be at high risk of death after being infected with Listeria. Americans were advised to watch for symptoms of infection, including fever, headache, muscle fatigue and aches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.

Read more: CDC

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