Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
A multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections linked to recalled, precooked pasta meals has claimed two more lives, bringing the total to six. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 27 people in 18 states have been sickened. Of the 27, 25 required hospitalization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported there have been six deaths plus one fetal loss. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued several public health alerts in regards to the outbreak. The illnesses have been linked to precooked pasta from Nate’s Fine Foods that was contaminated with the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. Meals that included the recalled pasta were sold at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Sprouts Farmers Market and Albertson’s. It also included Scott & Jon’s shrimp scampi with linguini bowls. Federal officials have been tracking the outbreak since June. The CDC and state officials "are working to get information on whether sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Double check your refrigerators and freezers for recalled food and do not eat [it]." States where people have been sickened are California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. “This outbreak may not have been limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria,” the CDC said. Recalled products were distributed nationwide and have included Sprouts Farmers Markets smoked mozzarella pasta salad, Scott & Jon’s shrimp scampi with linguini from Deemer Food Group, Marketside linguini and beef meatballs sold at Walmart, and Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo sold at Trader Joe’s. The CDC recommends that people who purchased the contaminated foods clean their refrigerators, countertops and containers that may have touched the food. Listeria contamination is especially harmful in people who are 65 or older, people who have a weakened immune system and women who are pregnant. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches and tiredness.
