Listeria Outbreak Claims Three Lives in Washington State
On July 21, the Department of Health in Washington State reported that three people have died from a listeria outbreak. The outbreak involved a total of five adults over the age of 60, all of whom developed severe infections from Listeria monocytogenes, with three ultimately succumbing to the infection. The health department stated that all five individuals had compromised immune systems.
The two infected females and three infected males were from Pierce County and Thurston County respectively. The Washington State Department of Health, along with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, launched an investigation into the infections. They are conducting interviews with the patients and their families to identify any common exposures.
Based on genetic fingerprinting results, the individuals likely contracted the infection from the same food source. All of them fell ill between February 27 and June 30. Fox News Digital reached out to the Washington State Department of Health for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Listeria is a serious infection primarily caused by consuming contaminated food containing Listeria monocytogenes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 1,600 people in the United States develop listeriosis each year, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. Pregnant women, newborn babies, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of developing complications from the infection.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or potentially fatal infection in infants. In other groups, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, balance problems, seizures, and confusion. Intestinal illness, such as diarrhea and vomiting, can also occur within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food.
Diagnosis of listeriosis is confirmed through laboratory tests of the blood, spinal fluid, or placenta. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for invasive illness caused by Listeria infection.
To prevent infection, individuals in high-risk groups should avoid consuming foods that are more likely to be contaminated. These include soft cheeses, deli meats, cold cuts, hot dogs, fermented or dry sausages, pâté or meat spreads, cold-smoked fish, sprouts, melons, and raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk products.
In related news, a listeria outbreak reported in November 2022 resulted in at least one death, one pregnancy loss, and 16 confirmed cases across six states. This outbreak was linked to sliced deli meats and cheeses, according to the CDC.
The Washington State Department of Health’s investigation into the recent listeria outbreak is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Updated: July 21, Year