CDC, public health and regulatory agencies in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting various types of data to determine the food source of a multi-state outbreak. Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Epidemiological data show that many people affected by this outbreak report eating meat sliced at the deli counter. We have no information to show that people are becoming ill from packaged deli meat.
Epidemiological data
By July 19, 2024, a total of 28 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 12 states (see map). Samples from sick people were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 5, 2024 (see timeline). Of 28 people for whom information is available, all were hospitalized. One person became sick during her pregnancy and remained pregnant after she recovered. Two deaths have been reported, one in Illinois and one in New Jersey.
The actual number of people sick in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known cases. This is because some people recover without medical care and do not respond to ListeriaIn addition, current illnesses may not yet be reported because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information about sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographic characteristics and the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. This information provides clues that help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The following table provides information on people who have become ill in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people for whom information is available for each demographic group).
| Demographics | information |
|---|---|
| Old (n = 27) |
Age range from 32 to 94 years Average age: 75 years |
| sex (n = 28) |
46% female 54% male |
| Race (n = 22) |
72% White 23% African American/Black 5% Asian |
| Ethnicity (n = 22) |
96% non-Hispanic 4% Hispanic |
State and local health departments survey people about the foods they ate in the month before they became ill. People report eating various meats that they sliced at the deli counter. Of the 18 people who could be interviewed, 16 (89%) reported eating meats that were sliced at the deli counter, most commonly deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham. The meats were sliced at various deli counters in supermarkets and grocery stores.
The CDC conducted an analysis and compared the foods reported by those affected by this outbreak with the foods reported by those affected by Listeria but were not part of an outbreak. The analysis showed that people in this outbreak were more likely to eat sliced turkey and liver sausage from the deli section. This information suggests that meat sliced in the deli section is a likely source of this outbreak. However, at this time, the CDC does not have enough information to say which deli meat is the source of this outbreak.
Laboratory and traceability data
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet maintains a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. The DNA fingerprints of bacteria are created using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).
WGS showed that bacteria from samples taken from sick people are genetically closely related, suggesting that people in this outbreak may have become ill from eating these foods.
USDA-FSIS is working to identify suppliers of deli meats sliced at deli counters and purchased by those affected by this outbreak.
Public health measures
The CDC advises pregnant people, people age 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems to contact their doctor if they have any of these symptoms. Listeria symptoms. In addition, the CDC advises people to take steps to protect themselves from infection Listeria Avoid eating processed meats by avoiding eating meat sliced in the sausage factory unless it is heated before consumption.
