Listeria Outbreak From Frozen Shakes Kills 12, Sickens 38 in the US

A massive listeria outbreak tied to frozen shakes served in hospitals and long-term care facilities has sickened at least 38 people and killed 12, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The authorities said these shakes were not sold in retail and supplied to care facilities under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands.

The shakes were sold in four-ounce cartons in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

According to the FDA, healthcare facilities have been asked to stop serving the shakes immediately. The outbreak was linked to a Prairie Farms facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the shakes were produced.

The FDA has also confirmed that the samples tested positive for listeria.

Lyons Magnus and Sysco issued product recalls and suspended sales from the Prairie Farms facility. “Sysco expresses our most sincere condolences to those affected by this outbreak and their families,” the company said in a news release. The CDC has said this outbreak includes 21 states, with 37 of the 38 identified cases requiring hospitalization.

This follows a deadly listeria outbreak from deli meats made by Boar's Head, which sickened as many as 59 people and killed 10 last year. "Food safety is and will continue to be our top priority, and our focus will always be on improving these programs that protect our customers and our communities from foodborne illnesses," Sysco's recall notice said.

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which is commonly found in nature—especially in soil, groundwater, rotting vegetation, and animal feces. According to experts, most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The incubation period varies, taking one to two weeks, but it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

Other names for listeriosis include L. monocytogenes and listeria.

Experts say L. monocytogenes is unique from many other foodborne illnesses. It survives and even multiplies in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. The bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels during storage. Food that has spoiled breaks down and develops an unpleasant smell, taste, or change in texture. When L. monocytogenes bacteria contaminate food, the smell, taste, and texture do not change.

According to experts, even though anyone can get listeriosis, it is not as dangerous for those with a healthy immune system. Those who are at the greatest risk of becoming very ill or dying include:

• Pregnant women
• Developing fetuses
• People 65 years or older

Those with a weakened immune system, usually from another condition.

A few signs and symptoms of listeria include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions, which cause muscle contractions that you cannot control

Doctors say a severe listeriosis infection can spread to your bloodstream or brain, leading to sepsis, meningitis, or even encephalitis.

While there is no cure for listeria, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to rid your body of the infection. Antibiotics commonly used to treat listeriosis include ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole.

However, if you have mild symptoms, you may not need treatment.

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