5 NJ Deaths Linked to Listeria

Two deaths in Bergen County, and one each in Burlington, Mercer, and Gloucester counties have been attributed to listeriosis, according to New Jersey health officials.

An investigation is now under way to find out if the increase in the number of cases in recent months is linked to a national outbreak.

New Jersey usually records between 20 and 30 cases of the infection annually, according to state records.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is conducting an investigation to determine whether all the New Jersey cases are linked to a strain that has caused illnesses in 10 states.

The infection usually is acquired by eating contaminated dairy products or raw vegetables.

The deaths in New Jersey occurred in residents ranging in age from 66 to 89.

The listeria outbreak was first seen in Pennsylvania in early September. Cases also have been detected in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Maryland.

Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, food poisoning in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. In adults, it can cause meningitis.

In less-severe cases, listeria can cause headache, high fever, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flulike illness, but infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials say the specific food associated with the cases is not yet known. So they say people most at risk should avoid certain foods:
* Hot dogs and luncheon meats, unless reheated until steaming hot
* Soft cheeses such as feta, brie and Camembert, blue-veined cheeses and Mexican-style cheeses
* Refrigerated pates or meat spreads
* Refrigerated smoked seafood, unless contained in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. Canned or shelf-stable smoked seafood may be eaten.
* Unpasteurized milk or foods containing unpasteurized milk

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