What is Listeria? All About the Deadly Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat

It’s a name that strikes fear into the hearts of pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system: Listeria. This sneaky little bacterium can hide out in our favorite deli meats and cheeses, waiting to strike. And while it might seem like a rare threat, the recent outbreaks linked to deli meat should have everyone paying attention.

What exactly is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes, to give it its scientific name, is a bacteria that thrives in cold environments. This makes it particularly dangerous in our refrigerators, where it can easily contaminate foods like:

• Deli meats: Think cold cuts, hot dogs, bologna, and even smoked salmon.

• Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, feta, and blue cheese are all prime targets.

• Unpasteurized milk: This includes raw milk and some cheeses made with it.

• Raw vegetables: While less common, Listeria can also be found on raw sprouts and leafy greens.

• Prepared foods: Salads, sandwiches, and other pre-made meals can be contaminated if they contain any of the above ingredients.

Why should we be worried?

While Listeria infection, or listeriosis, is relatively rare, it can be incredibly dangerous.

• It’s particularly harmful to:

* Pregnant women: Listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature labor, and severe illness in newborns.
* Newborns: Babies born to mothers with listeriosis are at high risk of developing meningitis, sepsis, and other serious infections.
* The elderly: As our immune systems weaken with age, we become more susceptible to Listeria’s effects.
* People with weakened immune systems: Those with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants are also at higher risk.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeria infection can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening complications.

• Common symptoms include:

* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Headache
* Nausea
* Diarrhea

• More serious symptoms can include:

* Stiff neck
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Loss of balance

A recent outbreak linked to deli meat serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of Listeria.

In 2022, a major outbreak of listeriosis was linked to contaminated deli meats, resulting in several deaths and dozens of hospitalizations. The outbreak was traced back to a single processing plant, highlighting the importance of proper food safety practices throughout the entire food production chain.

This outbreak underscores the need for vigilance and awareness about Listeria.

How to protect yourself from Listeria

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of listeriosis:

1. Cook foods thoroughly: Make sure all meats, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
2. Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
3. Keep your refrigerator below 40°F: Listeriosis thrives in cold environments, so keeping your refrigerator at a safe temperature is crucial.
4. Avoid eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products: Stick to pasteurized milk and cheese to avoid potential contamination.
5. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: Even if you don’t eat the skin, it’s important to remove any traces of dirt or bacteria.
6. Don’t cross-contaminate: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods, and use separate cutting boards and utensils for each.
7. Be mindful of expiration dates: Always check the expiration dates on deli meats and cheeses, and don’t eat them after they have expired.
8. If you have a compromised immune system, avoid high-risk foods: Talk to your doctor about what foods you should avoid.

What to do if you think you might have listeriosis:

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if you have recently eaten deli meats or other high-risk foods, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a successful outcome.

It’s important to remember that Listeria is a serious threat. By taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the risks, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially deadly infection.