Is Michigan One Of 6 States Seeing Fatal Listeria Outbreaks?

There are six states that are seeing cases of listeria that are somehow linked to deli meats and cheeses, is Michigan one of those states?

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What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a foodborne bacteria that is usually caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products. This can have a serious effect on pregnant women and people over 65 who have weak immune systems. Listeria can be fatal to unborn and newborn babies and those with weakened immune systems.

One of the really bad things about listeria is that it can survive freezing and refrigeration whereas many other bacterias don't survive.

Listeria Symptoms

What is tricky about listeria is that it might take 30 days or more before you show signs of infection which sometimes makes it hard to pinpoint where you contracted the bacteria.

Symptoms of listeria include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.

Listeria can also infect your nervous system. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, convulsions, confusion, or changes in alertness.

Symptoms in newborns include little interest in feeding, fever, vomiting, irritability, and difficulty breathing.

If you know you or your child has eaten food that has been recalled due to listeria, watch for symptoms, and if you detect them go see the doctor.

Is Michigan One of 6 States With Fatal Listeria Outbreaks?

Mlive reported that six states have a listeria outbreak that has been linked to deli meats and cheeses. So far 16 people have gotten listeria with 13 hospitalized and with one person dying.

The states affected are California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. So far Michigan has not reported a case but being this close to Illinois, be watchful for symptoms.