Mystery Listeria Outbreak Spreads To Illinois: CDC

ILLINOIS — Federal officials are investigating but have not yet identified the source of a Listeria outbreak that has sickened people in multiple states, now including Illinois.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention originally reported the outbreak in February, saying it may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. The true number of sick people is likely higher than the 18 reported so far by health officials in 15 states, according to the CDC.

The CDC said health officials in Michigan and Wisconsin reported two illnesses, and their counterparts in Illinois, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Washington each reported one.

A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak, the CDC said last week.

No deaths have been reported, but 17 people have been hospitalized and there is one report of pregnancy-associated illness in a newborn. The sick people range in age from 1 to 96, with a median age of 73, the CDC said.

Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with listeria. With a link to a specific food as yet unidentified, the CDC said the illnesses are concerning.

Listeria infections are rare, the agency said, but can result in a serious illness or death.

Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant women, people 65 and older, or anyone with a weakened immune system. People who have Listeria symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.

Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Pregnant women typically experience only fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as chills and headaches.