Two people in Georgia are among the 28 in 12 states across the U.S. infected with listeria linked to deli meats.
People affected by the outbreak have reported consuming deli meats sliced at counters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the agency cannot confirm if deli meats are the cause of the outbreak. Public health officials are investigating the specific products linked to the outbreak.
All of the 28 people infected with listeria have been hospitalized. Two people have died. The CDC did not name where the deaths took place.
Listeria is the third leading cause of death among foodborne illnesses in the U.S., per the CDC. It can spread through the preparation of meat at delis.
The CDC recommends that people avoid deli meat unless they reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 F or until steaming to kill any lingering listeria. Consumers who have bought deli meat recently should also clean surfaces that have come into contact with it, the agency says.
