Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Meat Products
Four-State Outbreak Sickens 10, Kills 1 Infant
An infant has died and 10 adults have been sickened amid a four-state listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat meat products, officials said.
Outbreak Details
The outbreak has been tied to ready-to-eat meat produced by Yu Shang Food, Inc. of Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an update. The products were produced before October 28 and marked with the USDA inspection hallmarks "P-46684" or "EST. M46684."
Affected States and Individuals
The outbreak has affected individuals in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California, with one person each in New York and New Jersey, two in Illinois, and seven in California, including the child who died. All of the affected individuals have identified themselves as having Asian heritage.
Infant Deaths and Illnesses
The infant who died was a twin whose sibling also died, but whose death could not be linked to listeria. The pregnant mother was also sickened but recovered. Another infant, not related to the twins, became ill and also recovered.
Listeria Contamination
Listeria was found in a sample from the mother and from one of the twin infants, but it could not be found in a sample from the other infant.
Recall and Cleanup
Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found Listeria monocytogenes on meat products produced at the plant, leading to a recall on November 9 and an expanded recall on Thursday. The recalled products were sold by at least four retailers, including 99 Ranch Market. Anyone with the recalled products is urged to discard them, and freezers and refrigerators that contained the product should be carefully cleaned.
Prevention and Risks
Exposure to listeria can cause life-threatening illness for older adults, those with weakened immunity systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and diarrhea. For pregnant women, it can infect newborns, and for the elderly, it can cause fatal infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is listeria?
A: Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness in certain individuals.
Q: How is listeria transmitted?
A: Listeria is typically transmitted through contaminated food products.
Q: Who is at risk for listeria infection?
A: Older adults, those with weakened immunity systems, pregnant women, and newborns are at risk for listeria infection.
Q: What are the symptoms of listeria?
A: Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and diarrhea.
Q: How can I prevent listeria infection?
A: To prevent listeria infection, it is essential to handle and store food safely, cook food to the recommended internal temperature, and avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products or hot dogs.
