The US is again gripped in the news due to yet another listeria outbreak due to the Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettucine Alfredo. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update that showed that the recent listeria outbreak has led to 20 cases, including 19 hospitalizations and four deaths. As of now, the outbreak is spanned over 15 states. The CDC noted that while the products that are linked to the outbreak may no longer be in the stores, it could be in consumers' fridges or freezers, if they have purchased recently. The update notes that recalled products must be thrown away or returned at the place of purchase. The CDC update also notes that consumers must not eat the food and must clean their refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched the affected surface of the contaminated food. As these bacteria can survive in the fridge due to cold temperature and also spread on to other foods or surfaces. The Marketside meatball linguine was also recalled from Walmart. As of now the products bearing the "best by" dates of:September 20September 24September 27have been recalled. What Is Listeria?As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listeria is a type of disease-causing bacteria that can be found in many places. These places include soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. It can also survive and in fact grow in under refrigeration. It is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions and lead to contamination of food. People who consumed the contaminated food could develop a disease called listeriosis. L. monocytogenes is transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Environment can also become contaminated by raw materials, water, soil, and incoming air. Pets can also spread the bacteria in the home if they eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes.Listeria: What Are The Symptoms?There are two ways in which Listeriosis can present:Non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis: the milder form, limited to the digestive system.Invasive listeriosis: the more dangerous form, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the intestines to other parts of the body.SymptomsNon-invasive listeriosis mostly has short-lived symptoms:fevermuscle achesnauseavomitingdiarrheaThese symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days.Invasive listeriosis is a more severe form and could be life-threatening. The symptoms include:headachestiff neckconfusionloss of balanceseizures.This type is more dangerous towards newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.Who Is Most at Risk?There are certain groups who are at more risk than others for Listeriosis, they are:Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn babiesAdults aged 65 and olderPeople with weakened immune systemsPregnant Women and Newborns
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