Turkey among culprits in foodborne illness

A Listeria outbreak in the Northeast is the subject of an epidemiological investigation.

By Stephanie Stapleton, AMNews staff. Nov. 25, 2002.

Washington -- On the macro level, policy-makers are wrestling with public health issues such as smallpox vaccination and other plans for bioterrorism preparedness. But, in the public health trenches, experts continue working against their known and traditional foes, too. For instance: foodborne illness.

Each year, an estimated 325,000 serious illnesses, sometimes causing hospitalizations and even death, are attributed to food-associated dangers, according to the AMA.

"Physicians play a critical public health role in surveillance for and identification and prevention of potential outbreaks. ... Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to diagnose potential foodborne illnesses," notes the Association.

And right now, public health officials in the Northeast are investigating an outbreak of Listeria.

About 2,500 cases of listeriosis occur in the United States each year. Initial symptoms are similar to the flu and can include fever, muscle aches, and nausea or diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.

Most cases, and most deaths, occur in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and adults with weakened immune systems. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or infection of newborns.

Since mid-July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service have been investigating a series of listeriosis cases, primarily affecting people in the Northeast. Specifically, cases appeared in eight states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. [...]