Listeria outbreak in 4 US states, small child died

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food alert concerning a Listeria outbreak that has affected four U.S. states and resulted in the death of a young child. A total of eleven individuals have been identified as having contracted this specific strain of Listeria. Of the total number of cases, nine individuals were hospitalized. According to the federal agency, the outbreak is likely associated with ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Despite the withdrawal of products from the market, some packages may still be available to consumers. The CDC recommends that consumers refrain from consuming the products and instead discard them or return them to the point of purchase. It is also advised that any containers and surfaces that may have been in contact with the recalled food be thoroughly cleaned. Listeria is particularly harmful to pregnant women, as it carries an elevated risk for miscarriage, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn. In individuals over the age of 65 or with an immunocompromised state, the bacterium can frequently result in hospitalisation and, in some cases, death.