Listeriosis: US Listeria Outbreak Leads to One Death, 22 Hospitalizations and 23 Illnesses, CDC Links Bacteria to Ice Cream

Listeria or listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, as defined both by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now the bacterial infection has made its way into the United States, in addition to previous cases. 

As of Saturday, July 2, a listeria outbreak has been recorded across 10 states, including Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The CDC said that the viral infection camr from Big Olaf Creamery, an ice cream brand only sold in Florida.

The public health body also encouraged consumers to throw away any of the company's remaining products at their disposal.

The CDC also advised Americans and the general public to clean any material or equipment that made contact with the ice cream brand's products.

The WHO previously stated that listeriosis is a relatively rare disease, affecting only an extremely low population of humans in some countries or regions worldwide.

The most common cases have been reported in Latin America, followed by Africa, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and India.

A listeriosis infection can be lethal, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, elderly people, and individuals with a compromised immune system.

US Listeria Outbreak

(Photo : Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images for LTA)

The CDC on Saturday posted on its website that the US listeria outbreak has already killed one person, as well as led to 22 hospitalizations and caused 23 illnesses.

With this, the center also advised businesses to avoid serving or selling of the brand's ice cream products.

Big Olaf Creamery, which is based in Sarasota, Florida, is voluntarily coordinating with retail outlets in recommending against the selling of their ice cream products, according to the CDC.

In particular, the CDC emphasized that ice cream scoops and other serving utensils are the primary areas that may have come in physical contact with the ice cream product.

Also Read: Enoki Mushrooms Linked to Listeria Outbreak in US

Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria is also capable of inflicting severe illness known as invasive listeriosis, which occurs when Listeria monocytogenes spreads to other parts of the body beyond the gut or gastrointestinal tract.

The CDC noted that listeriosis symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, can start as early as two weeks after consuming a contaminated food with listeria.

However, the syndrome could also begin within the day of consumption or as late as 70 days later after the first infection.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the said bacterium can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetables, and even dead animals.

Listeriosis transmission between humans is through contaminated food. This is the case for the biodegradable products since they can acquire the microbes while harvested, processed, and transported.

In addition, the FDA remarked that the pathogenic bug can survive and grow while refrigerated and even with food preservation measures.

The WHO said listeriosis is preventable and is a treatable disease, but still acknowledge its rarity since it only affects 0.1 to 10 cases per 1 million individuals each year.

Despite the curable aspect of the infection, the organization claimed that it still has a high mortality rate, making it a significant public health concern.

Related Article: There Are 5 New Listeria Species That Can Help Improve Food Safety, Scientists Discover