Two people have died so far due to A Listeria outbreak In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the warning on Friday.
Listeria is the third leading cause of death Food borne illness in the country, according to the Institute of Health.
Twenty-eight people in 12 states have been infected with listeria — with New York and Maryland reporting the highest number of cases.
Listeria Outback has killed 3 adults in Washington state, the health department confirmed
The first illness was reported on May 29, and the latest on July 5, according to CDC data.
Both deaths occurred in Illinois and New Jersey.
In many cases, bacterial outbreaks are linked to people eating them Sliced meats Purchased at deli counters, the CDC said.
Bacteria are easily spread in delis and food preparation environments.
No specific brands have yet been identified — and the CDC said officials are investigating.
Symptoms of listeria
Common symptoms of infection include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
According to the CDC, some people experience a stiff neck, headaches, balance problems, seizures, or disorientation.
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These symptoms are usually reported within two weeks of consuming the contaminated food, but can appear before and after that time.
Who is most at risk?
People who are pregnant, age 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to listeria, the CDC warned.
Because Listeria can spread beyond their gut to other parts of the body, resulting in A Severe condition “Invasion is called listeriosis,” the agency said in the warning.
Pregnant women People infected with Listeria may experience premature labor, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
A life-threatening infection can also be transmitted to the baby.
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“Others with aggressive disease — usually adults 65 years and above and people with weakened immune systems — usually have an infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) or brain (encephalitis or encephalitis),” the CDC says.
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Most people outside of these high-risk groups are unlikely to become infected serious illness.
The CDC recommends that people at high risk avoid eating sliced deli meats unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F and cooled before eating.
Refrigeration does not kill bacteria, the company noted.
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The CDC recommends cleaning all containers and surfaces that have come into contact with cut deli meats.
Anyone experiencing listeria symptoms should contact a Medical service provider Immediately, health officials advise. Most people recover without treatment, but antibiotics may be given for severe cases.
Fox News Digital has reached out to medical experts for comment.