A multi-state outbreak of Listeria has caused the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local delis to take additional precautions.  The CDC reported last Friday that initial information shows that the outbreak impacted people who ate meats sliced at deli counters.  Since May, 28 people have been infected in 12 states, including one in Wisconsin.  Two deaths were reported, one in New Jersey and one in Illinois.

The CDC says Listeria is a common bacteria that can live on many foods and cause an intestinal illness that is usually mild.  It can take three to four weeks to determine if someone’s illness is part of an ongoing outbreak.  Because some people recover without medical care or being tested for the bacteria, the actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the reported number.    

According to the CDC, Listeria infections are especially dangerous for people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems. The victims of this outbreak ranged in age from 32 to 94.

The CDC says there are no signs that pre-packaged deli meats are a concern and that reheating deli-sliced meats before eating will kill any germs on them.