Twenty-four cases of listeria infections have been reported, as of Aug. 23, and 22 have been hospitalized. Thus far, a specific food item, grocery store or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of the infections.
Of the 13 states reporting cases, California and Illinois have the highest number, with four each. Other states reporting listeria cases include New York, Ohio Oregon and Missouri.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating a listeria outbreak linked to cooked diced chicken. The listeria strain in Canada is closely related genetically to the strain in the U.S.
Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, headaches, loss of balance and convulsions. Among pregnant women, it typically causes only a fever and flu-like symptoms, but it can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
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