Listeria outbreak: CDC investigating 2 deaths, several illnesses linked to deli meats

WASHINGTON — A listeria outbreak tied to sliced deli meats has sickened at least 28 people in 12 states, including two who died, U.S. health officials said Friday. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said many people affected by the outbreak reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Investigators were working to determine what specific product was contaminated with listeria. 

Listeria is a persistent germ that can easily spread among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food. 

All of the 28 illnesses reported resulted in hospitalizations, including a person who got sick during their pregnancy. The person remained pregnant after recovering. 

At least two deaths have been linked with the outbreak including one in Illinois and one in New Jersey. 

The illnesses date back to May 29 all the way to July 5. 

Those sickened were from Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, the CDC said. Seven of the 28 illnesses were reported in New York.

So far, there's no information showing that people are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats, the CDC said. People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said. CDC doesn't have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of the outbreak.

Listeria is especially dangerous for the elderly, people who are pregnant, and those with compromised immune systems. 

The CDC is urging anyone in those groups to avoid eating meats sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. 

People who do not fall into these groups are unlikely to get very sick from listeria bacteria, according to the CDC. Most experience food poisoning symptoms and recover without treatment. 

People who are pregnant usually experience only fever, fatigue and muscle aches, the CDC says, but the illness can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth, and can cause serious illness or death in newborns. 

Symptoms for people who are not pregnant include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever and muscle aches.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.