Deadly listeria outbreak linked to deli meat: Here's what to know

A deadly listeria outbreak is connected to deli meat, and health officials caution people who are pregnant, older, or have compromised immune systems not to eat the food unless it’s recooked at home. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on July 19 that two people died and at least 28 were hospitalized across 12 states due to a listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced at grocery stores and deli counters.  

FILE-Listeria bacteria (Photo By BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)

According to the Associated Press, the CDC didn’t order a food recall because it’s unclear what specific deli meat goods are contaminated with the bacteria. The contaminated food is possibly still in circulation.

RELATED: 2 deaths linked to listeria outbreak, more than 2 dozen hospitalized, CDC says

Health officials noted that the listeria outbreak could spread wider than the states where listeria infections have been reported, mostly in the Midwest and the East Coast. 

Citing the CDC, the AP reported the largest number of people to get sick — seven — were in New York, and the individuals who died were from Illinois and New Jersey.

What are the symptoms of Listeria?

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches, and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. 

Symptoms can occur quickly or take up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. 

The infections are dangerous for people older than 65, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people, who can have miscarriages. 

This most recent outbreak includes people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. One pregnant person got sick, but retained the pregnancy, officials said. 

What should you do with deli meat in your refrigerator?

As of this writing, there's no indication that individuals are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats, the CDC noted.

People with deli slices in their fridge can sanitize it if it’s recooked. Reheating the meat before eating can kill germs possibly on the meat. 

Moreover, individuals at higher risk of a listeria infection should avoid eating meats sliced at the deli or heat them to an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit (74 Celsius) or until it’s steaming hot before eating, per the agency. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C.