- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently monitoring an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in multiple states from an unknown source.
- Individuals who have become ill from a Listeria infection have recently eaten a variety of Spanish-style cheeses, although no brand or type of cheese has been pinned down as the culprit.
- The number of reported infections is quite small, but all people who became ill with this Listeria strain had to be hospitalized.
When a food contamination problem arises, it is often immediately apparent that there is one brand or single distributor to be the source. However, sometimes people will get sick with the same strain of bacteria despite eating different brands of food, and that makes the FDA’s job a bit more difficult, requiring a more in-depth investigation to discover the source of the contamination that causes humans. sick.
Such is the case with a new FDA investigation into an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in multiple US states. So far, researchers believe the problem stems from the consumption of Spanish-style cheeses, both free and soft varieties, but no single cheese brand has been isolated that causes people to get sick. The FDA has just begun their investigation, so it may take some time to find the source, but in the meantime, it’s probably a good idea to avoid the types of foods linked to the outbreak.
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So far, a total of seven cases of Listeria infection have been associated with this new outbreak. That sounds like a very small number, but it is likely that the actual number is higher, as people with milder symptoms may not realize why they are sick, or get tested at a hospital or clinic so their case can be stacked added. . In any case, of the seven known cases, all seven had to be hospitalized. The majority of the cases were in Maryland (4), but a single case has also been noted in each of the following: Connecticut, New York, and Virginia.
The FDA also notes that there appears to be a link between the diseases and the preparation of the cheeses:
The FDA has started an investigation and is gathering information to try to identify the source of the outbreak. While research is ongoing, CDC’s analysis of epidemiological information indicates that Spanish-style fresh and soft cheeses are the leading hypotheses for the cause of the diseases. No specific type or brand of cheese has been confirmed as the source of disease. The CDC reported that seven people infected with the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak strain have been reported in Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Virginia. Six of the seven sick people are Spanish. Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Spanish-style fresh and soft cheeses, and all three reported eating queso frescoes.
Listeria infections can be incredibly serious. Symptoms often include headaches, body aches, fever, and even more serious symptoms such as convulsions and confusion. The FDA is urging the public to avoid Spanish-style fresh and soft cheeses that do not use pasteurized milk. It’s still possible that cheese made from pasteurized milk can spread the disease, but it’s generally considered a safer option, especially as the FDA is still investigating the outbreak and trying to find the source.
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Mike Wehner has spent the last decade reporting on technology and video games, covering the latest news and trends in VR, wearables, smartphones and future technology. Most recently, Mike worked as a Tech Editor at The Daily Dot and has appeared on USA Today, Time.com, and numerous other web and print stores. His love of reporting comes second to his gaming addiction.