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Press ReleaseUpdate: Listeriosis Outbreak InvestigationUpdate September 25, 2002 CDC is working with several State Health Departments in investigating a cluster of Listeria infections. The Listeria bacteria has been isolated and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)-matched in 31 patients, which suggests that these patients acquired illness from the same food. Case-patients live in southeastern Pennsylvania (14), New York City (11), New York State (2), Maryland (2), Connecticut (1), and Michigan (1). All patients were hospitalized and five persons have died (2 in New York City, 2 in Pennsylvania and 1 in Michigan). Federal and state public health officials are working to determine the food that caused these illnesses. These illnesses were first reported in the summer, and cases continued to be reported in September. In addition to the 31 patients whose illnesses have been confirmed as part of the cluster, CDC and State Health Departments are investigating other cases of Listeria infection in the same region. Strains from some patients have already been shown to be different from the outbreak strain; these illnesses are part of the "background" of sporadic Listeria infections that are expected to occur. However, testing of Listeria isolates from about 50 more persons is ongoing; some of these will likely be the outbreak strain and some will not. LISTERIA BACKGROUND To reduce the risk of listeriosis:
Recommendations for persons at high risk, such as pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems, in addition to the recommendations listed above are the following:
For more information about Listeria, contact your local or state health department or healthcare provider, or visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/listeriosis_g.htm. # # # CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations. |
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