CDC: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ice Cream

An outbreak of listeria has killed one person and hospitalized 22 others in the United States, according to CBS News on July 5, citing a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC lists several foods linked to the outbreak, including Big Olaf ice cream, which is only available in Florida.

The CDC recommends that consumers who have Big Olaf brand ice cream in their homes should throw it away as soon as possible and carefully clean areas, containers and utensils that may have come in contact with these products. The CDC has also asked merchants to suspend offering or selling any Big Olaf ice cream products until further notice.

Last week, the CDC reportedly said it found 23 cases of listeria in 10 different states. One person in Illinois died after contracting the disease, the CDC added. Five of the people were pregnant, and one of them lost her fetus. Almost all of the patients had stayed in Florida or traveled there the month before their illness.

According to CDC information, Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial infection caused by contaminated food. It is most dangerous for pregnant women, people over 65, and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms usually begin two weeks after eating the food after infection. Still, they may start the same day or up to 70 days later. The symptoms are similar to common food poisoning symptoms, such as diarrhea and fever.