Listeria Disease Outbreak in the US…1 death, 22 hospitalizations

A new outbreak of Listeria disease of unknown origin has occurred in the United States, killing one person and hospitalizing more than 20 people. Fever, muscle pain, nausea, and diarrhea are symptoms of Listeria disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not identify foods that could spread the deadly bacteria but said citizens should be aware of the potential and symptoms of the disease.

Listeria is treatable with antibiotics, but it is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

A CDC official told The Associated Press that “nearly all of the 23 people infected with the virus were residents of Florida who traveled to or lived in Florida within the month before the outbreak.”

Listeria is one of the most dangerous forms of food poisoning, again with 22 hospitalizations. In Illinois, one person died and a pregnant woman was aborted.

Symptoms of listeria usually appear 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food, but symptoms can start on the same day.

A CDC official said, “The first cases of Listeria occurred in January of this year, but they are continuing, with two cases occurring this month.“