Be Aware: Another Multistate Outbreak Is Claiming Lives

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is in the midst of investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections that have sickened dozens—and left two people dead. Cases have occurred in 13 states, to date, with most patients requiring hospitalization. No specific source has been identified. Listeria symptoms vary greatly by patient and site of infection, but common complaints include fever and diarrhea similar to other food-borne infections. Pregnant women who are infected tend to experience only fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn, however, so vigilance on the part of the urgent care provider is advised. Mild cases do not require treatment, though antibiotics (ampicillin being first-line) are recommended for high-risk patients; they include, besides pregnant women, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.