Personal Injury Law

North Carolina Issues Listeria Warning

By Marler Clark

Numerous media outlets are reporting that the North Carolina Division of Public Health has issued a listeria warning after identifying three cases of the disease in women in Moore, Durham and Mecklenberg counties and another potential case in Buncombe County.

Here's where to go for the official word from Public Health.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating food contaminated with a bacteria.

Outbreaks have been associated with consumption of unpasteurized milk and contaminated soft cheeses, vegetables and ready-to-eat meats.

The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems.

The four cases all involve pregnant women, three of which resulted in miscarriages. The three confirmed cases came as a result of eating contaminated soft cheese, although a single product does not seem to be the source of the cases, the Division of Public HPealth said.

The state is cautioning pregnant women against eating soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli-style meats and prepared salads.

Full post as published by Listeria Blog on December 21, 2007 (boomark / email).