BALTIMORE, MD—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about eating meat sliced at deli counters. The warning comes after two people were killed and 28 others were hospitalized with listeriosis, an infection that can be fatal to pregnant people and people older than 65.

The CDC recommends that people older than 65, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems avoid eating deli counter sliced meat unless it has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or is steaming hot.

The CDC warns that the number of people who are sick may be higher than reported, as it can take up to four weeks to determine if someone is part of an outbreak. Symptoms of listeriosis include neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.

The CDC also recommends cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have touched meats. Slicers and counters used for multiple products can cross-contaminate items if they are not properly cleaned and sanitized between uses. Biofilms can also form on surfaces, which can make it difficult to remove through regular cleaning. Refrigeration can also allow Listeria to survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures, increasing the risk of cross-contamination over time.

The CDC emphasizes that anyone who experiences symptoms of severe listeriosis should contact their health care provider immediately. If you are pregnant, you should also notify your health care provider if you experience any symptoms, as listeriosis can lead to pregnancy loss or premature birth.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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