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1 dead, 15 sick after listeria outbreak connected to deli meat, cheese

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An outbreak of listeria tied to deli meat and cheese has infected 16 people across six states, with one resulting in death.

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Thirteen of the victims have been hospitalized and one illness has resulted in the loss of a pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said the outbreak occurred between April 17, 2021, and Sept. 29, 2022, according to The New York Times. Three people were affected in Maryland, where one victim died, the CDC reported on its website. Seven people fell ill in New York, along with two in Illinois and Massachusetts, and one each in New Jersey and California, the CDC said.

According to CNN, people at a high risk of severe illness from the listeria infection -- including pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems -- should not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter without first reheating to 165 degrees or “steaming hot,” the CDC said.

CNN reported that the people infected ranged in age from 38 to 92, with an average age of 74. More than half of the victims were men.

The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the agency. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms usually begin within two weeks after eating contaminated food, including meat, unpasteurized milk, raw vegetables and certain processed items like hot dogs and deli meats.

The bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The listeria bacteria were found at two NetCost Market locations in New York City, The Associated Press reported. However, health officials said they are not likely the only sources of the listeria outbreak because some sick people did not shop at the stores.

Of the seven people who got sick in New York, five bought sliced deli meats or cheese from at least one NetCost Market, the Times reported.


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