A Listeria outbreak, linked to deli meats and cheeses, has resulted in one death and eight hospitalizations across four states, the CDC reports.
As of April 15, Listeria cases had been reported in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan, which is where the death occurred.
Of six ill people interviewed by the agency, five reported eating products sliced at a deli counter. The outbreak strain of Listeria was found in samples of deli meat and at deli counters at retail locations in New York and Rhode Island.
The CDC has not identified one particular retailer or type of deli product as the source of the outbreak, and it is not recommending that consumers avoid deli-sliced products.
Listeria infections can cause fever and muscle aches as well as headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Among pregnant women, it typically causes only a fever and flu-like symptoms; however, it can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Death of Louisiana nurse attacked by patient ruled a homicide
833 deaths linked to Congo's Ebola outbreak: 4 updates
10 health systems hiring medical informatics leaders