Bad Cheese: State Health Officials Warn Of Listeria Outbreak

CONNECTICUT — State health officials are investigating whether the hospitalization of a Connecticut resident may be linked to infections caused by a food contaminant.

The state Department of Public Health, along with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and local agencies, is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses.

"We are informing local health departments of this federal investigation and urging Connecticut residents, restaurants and food retailers to be aware of the potential risks," said DPH Acting Commissioner Deidre Gifford after receiving an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The investigation is in its early stages, according to the FDA, but the CDC's analysis indicates that the cheeses are the culprit. The agency has not named any brands.

Seven people infected with the outbreak bacterium have been reported in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Six of those people are Hispanic. Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, and all three reported eating queso fresco, according to the notice from the FDA.

The symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, muscle aches and convulsions. Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Until more information is made available, the FDA is providing these general guidelines:

• Anyone who is pregnant, aged 65 or older, or has a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments should avoid eating any Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco, and queso panela.
• Make sure that the Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses you eat have labels that state, "Made with pasteurized milk." Note that even cheeses made from pasteurized milk may still become contaminated if they are produced in facilities with unsanitary conditions.
• Restaurants and retailers that serve or sell Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses should follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice.