Listeria Lawyer Update: One Death and Nine Hospitalizations Linked to Mysterious Listeria Outbreak.

A recent Listeria outbreak has health department officials completely baffled as they scramble to find the source of the contamination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials, the mysterious outbreak seems to be linked to Italian deli meats such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. At the time at which the outbreak was announced on October 23, 2020, a total of 10 cases linked to the outbreak had already been reported from 3 states. The outbreak is currently being investigated by public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS).

The CDC has begun advising people to refrain from eating Italian deli meat due to the potential listeria contamination, although no specific product has been named as the source of the outbreak as of yet. According to CDC officials, thus far all 10 Listeria cases have required hospitalizations, and sadly one death was reported linked to the outbreak. State officials interviewed the 9 people affected by the outbreak and they all stated that they had purchased prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations. Out of the items purchased by the affected people, all 9 reported eating Italian-style deli meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto.

The CDC and Public health officials are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. DNA fingerprinting is performed on Listeria bacteria isolated from ill people by using a standardized laboratory and data analysis method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). According to the CDC, WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically, which means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection.

The people affected by this recent listeria outbreak began experiencing symptoms in early August 2020 and were reported from the states Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. CDC officials are urging individuals who have eaten Italian deli meats and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches to contact a medical health care provider and inform them of the potential listeria exposure. Ron Simon, a national Listeria Lawyer, stated: 

“Victims who have symptoms such as fever or a stiff neck should immediately consult a physician.  In suspected cases of Listeria meningitis, a spinal fluid culture may be required.  Listeria rarely shows up in stool cultures.  Listeria is a very dangerous bacteria, as can bee seen in this outbreak, and should be taken very seriously.”

For more information on the recent Listeria outbreak linked to Italian deli meat, to speak to a Listeria Lawyer, or to inquire about a Listeria Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.