PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Deli meat is being investigated as a possible cause for a Listeria outbreak in the U.S. that infected 28 people, including two Virginians, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In interviews, 16 of 18 reported eating meat sliced at deli counters. The outbreak affected 12 states and killed two.
Listeria can be extremely harmful if you are pregnant, ages 65+ or have a weakened immune system.
- People who are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria should avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
- Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of Listeria and recently ate meats sliced at deli counters.
- Businesses should follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
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