Listeria Outbreak In US: 6 Dead, 25 Others Hospitalised After Eating Contaminated Pasta

A listeria outbreak linked to contaminated pasta in the US has left six people dead and 25 hospitalised. Health officials urge people to avoid recalled products and stay alert for symptoms like fever and muscle aches.

A concerning outbreak of foodborne illness is shaking up the food-safety world in the U.S. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a listeria outbreak has been identified in some of the recalled pasta has killed six individuals and hospitalised numerous others. As per the data by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), 27 people have been infected with the listeria outbreak strain, which has been reported in 18 states.

Listeria Pasta Outbreak Strikes the US

According to the CDC, Listeria is "a bacterium that can contaminate many foods." Seven new cases were recorded in three states over the last month, bringing the total number of cases to 27 from 18 states. Of the 27 affected people that had information available, 25 were hospitalised, and 6 deaths were reported in he following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness, meanwhile, resulted in the loss of a baby. Those who consume infected things may have symptoms as soon as the same day or up to 10 weeks later.

In addition to the 27 cases reported, the CDC said the true number of sick people tied to the outbreak is likely higher, given it takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of such. Some people may also recover from the illness without seeking medical care.

Contaminated Pasta Triggers Massive Recall Across Brands

The deaths were attributed to Listeria monocytogenes contamination in precooked pasta supplied by Nate's Fine Foods Inc. Back in June, epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data showed that chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes that were making people sick.

In the following months, FreshRealm tested ingredients used in the meals and pasta from Nate's Fine Foods, a ready-to-eat foods manufacturer in Roseville, Calif., after which the manufacturer initiated the voluntary recall of more than 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta dishes.

Nate's Fine Foods stated in late September that it is complying with the government agencies' inquiry. They said, "Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy our products, and we will continue to take all appropriate steps until this matter is resolved. Nate's Fine Foods sincerely apologises for the concern this may cause. We remain fully committed to transparency and to taking every necessary step to protect the health and trust of our consumers."

Listeria Pasta: Symptoms To Watch Out For

Here are the common symptoms to be cautious of:

1. Muscle aches and fever, with or without diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. Headache, stiff neck, confusion, lack of balance particularly when the infection is spread.
3. In the case of pregnant women, fever, aches, tiredness, even in a mild form they may indicate a danger to the unborn baby.

In case you or a member of your family consumed one of the recalled pasta meals and subsequently exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately.