Flexible Work
AARP Skills Builder
Flexible Work
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Drug Prices
Social Security
Medicare & Medicaid
Caregiving
LONG-TERM CARE
State Guides
Prepare to Care Guides
End of Life
Home Technology
Get Happier
POSSIBILITIES OF AI
Relationships
Home Health
Leaving AARP.org Website
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
BrandAmp by AARP provides the opportunity for our highly vetted marketing partners to share their expert knowledge, insights and storytelling with loyal and engaged readers like you. Each piece of paid content is created in collaboration with the disclosed advertiser and AARP Media Sales’ content development team.
BrandAmp by AARP content is designed to uphold AARP standards of excellence and inspire conversation. Only advertisers who have gone through the strictest reviews are cleared to bring their message directly to members using all of AARP media properties (AARP.org, social media, email newsletters and our print publications). Our pledge to members is work with brands whose products and services are of value to the 50+ audience; and are committed to the type of compelling, informative, entertaining and useful content members are accustomed to seeing within AARP media properties.
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Meats and cheeses sold at deli counters in six states are the likely source of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced.
Health authorities are working to pinpoint specific products or delis linked to the outbreak. The contaminated meats may include cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs or pâtés.
Investigators said a tainted meat or cheese probably introduced the outbreak strain into delis in multiple states. Listeria can easily spread among countertops, deli slicers, surfaces and hands.
“Listeria is a hearty germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli,” the CDC said in the outbreak announcement. “It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator.”
From April 17 to Sept. 29, 16 infections were recorded in people 38 to 92 years old. Of the 14 infected people with information available, 13 were hospitalized, one died and one person lost their pregnancy.
Illnesses have been recorded in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
The CDC said the total of infected people and states involved in this outbreak is probably higher than the reported amount because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for listeria.
People who are 65 or older, have a weakened immune system or are pregnant have a greater risk of severe illness from listeria.
If you are at high risk for infection, the CDC advises you to:
Listeriosis, the infection caused by eating food contaminated with the listeria bacteria, may cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in people 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women and newborns are also at risk of serious infection.
The CDC says a listeria infection can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Pregnant women usually experience only fever, fatigue and muscle aches. However, listeria can lead to premature birth or pregnancy loss and can cause serious illness or death in newborns. Anyone who experiences symptoms of severe listeria illness should call their health care provider.
About 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeriosis each year, resulting in an average of 260 deaths, the CDC estimates. Americans 65 and older are four times as likely as others to get a listeria infection.
MORE FROM AARP
Living With Adult Kids: Joys and Challenges
Bite your tongue, roll with the punches and embrace the joy