Three People Die from Food-Borne Illness in South Puget Sound Region, Health Officials Say
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has reported three deaths due to food-borne illness in the south Puget Sound region. The department is working with the state Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services to investigate five cases of listeriosis in Western Washington.
Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria bacteria, which can contaminate food. Common sources of contamination include unpasteurized or raw milk, as well as other raw food sources. The health department is conducting interviews to identify any common exposures among the patients.
Out of the reported cases, four are in Pierce County and one is in Thurston County. All five patients, two women and three men, were hospitalized and three of them have unfortunately passed away. The victims all had weakened immune systems and were in their 60s or 70s.
Genetic fingerprinting results indicate that these patients likely have the same source of infection. They became ill between February 27 and June 30, 2023. The state typically sees 10 to 25 cases of listeriosis each year. Those most at risk include individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly.
Symptoms of listeriosis can develop between three to 70 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
To avoid exposure, the health department advises thorough cooking of meat, washing raw vegetables before eating, keeping uncooked meats away from other foods, regularly washing hands and utensils after handling uncooked foods, and consuming perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible. Individuals at risk should avoid certain foods such as unpasteurized soft cheeses, unheated deli meats, refrigerated meat spreads, and refrigerated smoked seafood.
The department also warns against under-heating leftovers or ready-to-eat foods, and avoiding pre-made deli salads such as potato, tuna, or chicken salad. Additionally, transferring fluid from hot dog packages onto other foods and surfaces can lead to illness.
The investigation is being led by the state Department of Health, and updates on the cases can be found on their website. This is the third alert sent out by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in recent days regarding potentially deadly health concerns in the area.