Deadly US listeria outbreak: signs, symptoms, and everything else you should know

A widespread recall of dairy products sold at major US stores including Costco, Walmart, and others has been prompted by a serious listeria epidemic. Given that many dairy products have been linked to the epidemic, this recall expansion highlights how serious the issue is.

Information about the outbreak
Numerous illnesses and deaths have been linked to the epidemic, which has prompted health authorities and the impacted firms to take immediate action.
There have been two deaths in Texas and California as a consequence of the current epidemic, which has afflicted 26 people in 11 states. Queso fresco and Cotija cheese from Rizo-López Foods have been identified as the origins of contamination by investigations.
The recall covers a wide range of dairy products, including cheeses and other goods, with certain brands and categories being flagged as possible hazards.
When it comes to resistance, listeria is unmatched by other prevalent diseases like salmonella and E. coli. It can thrive even when refrigerated. Based on CDC statistics, listeria is the third most common foodborne infection in the US, accounting for around 260 deaths each year. * “Even with adequate antibiotic treatment, the disease has a high mortality rate” (between 20% and 30%), according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
What signs of listeria are present?
When it comes to resistance, listeria is unmatched by other prevalent diseases like salmonella and E. coli. It can thrive even when refrigerated. Based on CDC statistics, listeria is the third most common foodborne infection in the US, accounting for around 260 deaths each year. * “Even with adequate antibiotic treatment, the disease has a high mortality rate” (between 20% and 30%), according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
Eating food infected with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes results in listeriosis, another name for listeriosis, or listeria illness. This illness, which may be moderate to severe, mostly affects older people, neonates, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
The following are typical signs of a listeria infection:
A fever and sore muscles: These are often the first signs to appear, sometimes with additional gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea.
Headache, stiff neck, and confusion: In at-risk individuals in particular, these symptoms may point to a more serious illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Loss of balance: Some people may have trouble balancing or being coordinated, which might be a sign of the infection’s neurological consequences.
Convulsions: If the infection is severe, seizures may result.
Pregnant women’s symptoms: Although minor flu-like symptoms may be experienced by pregnant women, the infection may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, early delivery, or potentially fatal infection of the unborn child.
Time of incubation
With an average incubation period of around three weeks, the interval between eating infected food and the beginning of symptoms may vary greatly, from as little as one day to as long as 70 days.
Preventative actions
One may lessen the chance of contracting listeria by avoiding high-risk foods including raw sprouts, undercooked meats, and unpasteurized dairy products.
It’s crucial to follow appropriate food hygiene practices, which include washing fruits and vegetables well and handling and preparing food properly.
The likelihood of a serious disease and its consequences may be considerably decreased by identifying the signs of a listeria infection and adopting preventative measures. You should get medical help right away if you think you could have listeriosis.
Authorities in health responding:
Consumers are advised to verify their purchases for the recalled goods and to discard any that may be tainted by health authorities’ warnings and guidelines.
A representative for one of the impacted businesses said, “The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority,” highlighting the prompt steps taken to handle the recall.
Health officials have emphasized the need for caution once again, saying that “consumers should check their homes for the recalled products and dispose of them to prevent further illness.”
Forward-looking
As more information becomes available, updates are anticipated as the situation continues to change. It is recommended that consumers be informed and adhere to the instructions given by concerned firms and health experts.
In an attempt to limit the epidemic and guarantee public safety, this recall represents a major reaction to a severe danger to public health.