The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a specific brand of cheese product that has led to the outbreak of Listeria on the east coast.
Earlier this month, the CDC issued a warning to people following certain illnesses reported in consumers who ate certain varieties of fresh, soft, cheese.
An initial warning from the CDC stated, “Don’t eat any Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses (such as Queso Fresco, Quવોvo Blanco and Quવોvo Panella) unless we know a specific type or brand that makes people sick.” “
This week, the CDC identified exclusive brands: El Abualito, Rio Grande and Rio Lindo.
According to the CDC, all Quasco fresco products sold under those names should be considered suspicious and potentially contaminated with Listeria.
On Friday, January 19, El Abulito Cheese Inc., recalled all Quasco fresco products made in the same facility with sales dates by Sunday, March 28.
“Other El Abulito brand cheeses made or operated in a facility similar to the Quesco Fresco have not yet been called in, but the CDC is concerned that they could become contaminated and make people sick,” officials said. “Investigators are working to identify all cheese products made or handled in the facility that may be contaminated.”
As of Thursday, February 25, 10 cases of the disease have been reported, with nine hospitalized due to the outbreak. Of those 10 illnesses, four were reported in New York, one in Connecticut, among others in Virginia and Maryland.
Officials have noted that Connecticut officials have seen a sick man from a store who bought El Abulito brand cheese have seen an outbreak of Listeria in samples of stored Al Abulito brand Quesco fresco cheese.
According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, consumption of foods contaminated with L-monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that mainly affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their newborns.
Less commonly, it affects others outside of risk groups.
“Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions when diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms occur.
“Infectious infections spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriage, death, premature delivery, or even a neonatal infection.
Listeria affects about 1,600 Americans each year and kills about 260 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most people only experience nausea, fever, nausea, diarrhea and headaches.
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