Federal authorities are investigating a new multistate outbreak of infection with Listeria monocytogenes.
The source of the pathogen has not yet been identified, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports that he has infected 11 people in 10 states. Ten patients were seriously ill and required hospitalization. As of February 15, no deaths have been reported.
Cases are spread across the country from coast to coast. States with sick people are Washington, California, Colorado, South Dakota, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
The Food and Drug Administration is assisting with the investigation. Authorities have not yet been able to initiate traceback or sampling efforts due to the unknown origin of the pathogen.
The patient began becoming ill in July 2018, with the most recent onset of illness in January of this year. In January 2023, more people got sick than in the previous timeframe.
All patients were infected with the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes, according to DNA testing. That is, the cause of the disease was the same.
Patients range in age from 47 to 88 years. His 73% of patients are women.
According to the CDC outbreak notice, “State and local public health officials are interviewing people to find out what foods they ate in the month before they got sick.
“The number of people actually getting sick in this outbreak is likely higher than what is being reported, and the outbreak may not be confined to states with known disease. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as they normally would. 3-4 weeks To determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. “
Health care providers and local public health departments are asked to report all cases of listeria infection to state and federal authorities. This will allow additional testing to be done to determine if the patient is part of the outbreak.
CDC recommends that people take the following steps:
About listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell bad, but it can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Everyone needs treatment.
It can take up to 70 days after exposure to listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to appear.
Symptoms of listeria infection include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and a stiff neck. Certain laboratory tests are required to diagnose listerial infections, which can mimic other diseases.
People with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and cancer patients, are particularly at risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Infected pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to premature birth, neonatal infection, and even stillbirth.
