More than 50 illnesses and eight deaths have been reported in a Listeria outbreak in the US, fresh data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Listeria is a tough germ that even at refrigerated temperatures can survive on surfaces, such as on meat slicers, and foods, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.
That said, some individuals may take up to 10 weeks to show symptoms of listeriosis, according to CDC.
Data from epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback point to meats that are sliced in delis, including the liverwurst brand of Boar's Head, contaminated with Listeria and are responsible for causing illness, says CDC.
Listeria is easily spread around deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.
The infection has so far hospitalized 57 people in the country, with the number of deaths risen to eight, CDC reports.
This is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe.
The CDC requested the public not to eat recalled deli products.
People at higher risk for illness from Listeria, including pregnant women, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, should avoid deli meats unless steaming hot just before serving.
The new deaths include two in South Carolina and one each in Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico. Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia have also reported deaths in the outbreak, which genetic testing has linked to liverwurst products manufactured by Boar's Head.
Boar's Head has recalled more than 7 million pounds of 71 different meat and poultry products as of July 30, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
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