In New York, an outbreak of listeriosis among Russian-speakers: the cause cannot yet be found
'11.11.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
An outbreak of a strain of Listeria bacteria has infected 16 people in six different states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NBC New York.
The strain has led to at least 13 hospitalizations and one death. One of those infected due to illness suffered a premature termination of pregnancy.
“Listeria can cause severe illness (invasive listeriosis) when the bacteria spreads outside the gut to other parts of the body,” the CDC said.
The results of laboratory tests and interviews with infected people have shown that deli meats and cheeses are to blame in most cases. The victims took them in delicatessen shops.
On the subject: In New York and across America, an outbreak of a dangerous virus: what are the symptoms and how to treat
The CDC says the outbreak strain has been found in open packages of deli meats purchased from the international grocery chain NetCost Market in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Investigators do not believe Netcost Markets delicacies are the only source of the bacteria, as several states have been affected by the same strain of Listeria.
The first affected sample was received on April 17, 2021, and the most recent one was collected on September 29, 2022.
“The true number of sick people is probably higher than reported. And the outbreak may not be limited to states with known cases,” the CDC said in a notice issued November 9, 2022.
Common symptoms of listeriosis include headache, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, balance problems, cramps, and muscle pain.
11 of the reported cases were found in Russian speakers. But it has not yet been established why this population suffers disproportionately.
Pregnant women, those aged 65 and over, and people with weakened immune systems are at high risk of infection. The CDC recommends cleaning any surface that contains meat and cheese, and avoiding eating them unless they are preheated to 73°C.
