USA reports more illnesses and deaths in listeria outbreak linked to deli meat

Los Angeles:

In the United States, more than 50 illnesses and eight deaths have been reported as a result of a listeria outbreak, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Listeria is a resilient germ that can survive on surfaces such as slicers and food even at refrigerator temperatures, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the CDC, it can take up to 10 weeks for some people to develop symptoms of listeriosis.

According to the CDC, epidemiological, laboratory and traceability data show that meat sliced ​​in delicatessens, including Boar's Head brand liver sausage, is contaminated with listeria and is making people sick.

Listeria spreads easily on delicatessen equipment, surfaces, hands and food.

In total, 57 people in the country have been hospitalized due to Listeria infections, according to the CDC, and eight deaths have now been reported.

This is the largest outbreak of listeriosis since the outbreak linked to cantaloupe melons in 2011.

The CDC urged the public not to consume the recalled delicatessen products.

People who are at particularly high risk of contracting Listeria, such as pregnant women, people aged 65 or over, or people with weakened immune systems, are advised not to eat meat sliced ​​at the deli counter unless it is heated to a steaming temperature immediately before serving.

The new deaths include two in South Carolina and one each in Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico. Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia have also reported deaths related to the outbreak, which has been linked by genetic testing to Boar's Head liver sausage products.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Boar's Head has recalled more than 7 million pounds of 71 different meat and poultry products as of July 30.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)