The investigation, a collaboration between the CDC, public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not conclusively identified the source of this outbreak; however, fifteen (63%) of 24 people with available information are of Middle Eastern or Eastern European descent or shopped at Middle Eastern-style markets.
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Several brands of soft cheeses distributed by Karoun Dairies have been recalled. The number of ill people reported from each state is as follows: California (14), Colorado (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Tennessee (1), and Washington (1).
There are five rare DNA fingerprints of Listeria included in this investigation, which whole genome sequencing has shown to be closely related genetically. The most recent illnesses were identified last month. One death was reported from Ohio. Five illnesses were pregnancy-related; one resulted in a fetal loss.
Symptoms of Listeriosis infection include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea.
Listeria is particularly hazardous to people with weakened immune systems, including older adults and pregnant women. Recalled products should not be consumed and any restaurants, stores or consumers who have any of these items should return them or throw them away. Since not every recall reported to authorities makes headlines, we’ve rounded them up for you.
CDC says that additional illnesses are under investigation.
Listeria bacteria are commonly found in soil and water, and because they can infect animals without causing symptoms, the bacteria can sometimes contaminate meat and dairy products, the CDC said.
This year alone frozen greenbeans, spinach, hummus, and ice cream have all been recalled due to possible listeria outbreak and Blue Bell Creameries shut down their entire production line while they decontaminated their factories due to an outbreak dating back to 2010.
Do not drink unpasteurized milk.
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People at higher risk of infection, such as pregnant women, should not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts or other deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
