3 dead after Listeria outbreak in Washington state

Health officials said five cases of listeriosis in Puget Sound were likely caused by the same unidentified food source. All of those infected were over the age of 60.
Washington state health officials said Friday that three people had died and two were hospitalized in the Puget Sound area after contracting foodborne listeria infections during what appeared to be an outbreak.
Tests indicated that the five patients, three men and two women, had fallen ill between February 1. June 27 and 30 and likely had the same source of infection, officials said, although an investigation has yet to identify a common food source.
Each infected person was in their 60s or 70s and had weakened immune systems, officials said. in Pierce County and one in T Hurston County.
The Washington State Department of Health said it is working with "local health jurisdictions to gather information from interviews with patients and their families to help identify any common exposures." dairy products and pre-made deli salads, such as potato or tuna salads.
Officials added that the microorganism will die at temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Last year, an outbreak of listeria in several States was linked to contaminated meats and cheeses. Other recent outbreaks have been caused by contaminated ice cream and leafy greens bought in stores.
Listeriosis, a disease caused by the bacterium listeria, is the greatest threat to the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
Listeriosis usually manifests within two weeks of eating contaminated food and can cause flu-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In pregnant women, severe cases can lead to miscarriage and other complications.
Washington State sees 10 to 25 cases of infection each year, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
From 2009 to 2021, the last year for which data are available, the state has recorded 18 listeria outbreaks that have resulted in 238 hospitalizations and 47 deaths, according to the C.D.C.

Health Jul 23, 2023 0 35 Add to Reading List

3 dead after Listeria outbreak in Washington state

Health officials said five cases of listeriosis in Puget Sound were likely caused by the same unidentified food source. All of those infected were over the age of 60.

Washington state health officials said Friday that three people had died and two were hospitalized in the Puget Sound area after contracting foodborne listeria infections during what appeared to be an outbreak.

Tests indicated that the five patients, three men and two women, had fallen ill between February 1. June 27 and 30 and likely had the same source of infection, officials said, although an investigation has yet to identify a common food source.

Each infected person was in their 60s or 70s and had weakened immune systems, officials said. in Pierce County and one in T Hurston County.

The Washington State Department of Health said it is working with "local health jurisdictions to gather information from interviews with patients and their families to help identify any common exposures." dairy products and pre-made deli salads, such as potato or tuna salads.

Officials added that the microorganism will die at temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Last year, an outbreak of listeria in several States was linked to contaminated meats and cheeses. Other recent outbreaks have been caused by contaminated ice cream and leafy greens bought in stores.

Listeriosis, a disease caused by the bacterium listeria, is the greatest threat to the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Listeriosis usually manifests within two weeks of eating contaminated food and can cause flu-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In pregnant women, severe cases can lead to miscarriage and other complications.

Washington State sees 10 to 25 cases of infection each year, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

From 2009 to 2021, the last year for which data are available, the state has recorded 18 listeria outbreaks that have resulted in 238 hospitalizations and 47 deaths, according to the C.D.C.