FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              FOR MORE INFORMATION

November 10, 1999                                                                      Contact Mary Landrigan

Listeria Cases Increase                                                               (914) 637-4715

The Westchester County Department of Health today alerted residents that there have been 8 recent cases of illness caused by Listeria, a bacteria that has the potential to cause serious consequences in pregnant women and the elderly or infirm. These cases have occurred during the past several weeks and primarily in the southern part of the County, including New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, Somers and Mamaroneck. The cases are still under investigation and it is not clear if they are related.

Although two people with Listeria have died, both had extensive underlying medical problems. In each instance, it is not clear to what extent Listeria contributed to the cause of death.

The Health Department reminds all residents that outbreaks of illness caused by Listeria have been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, hot dogs and ready-to-eat cold cuts that can become contaminated with Listeria after processing and soft cheeses that may support the growth of Listeria during ripening

"To avoid Listeria infection, residents should consume only thoroughly cooked meats and pasteurized dairy products. Residents at an increased risk for becoming seriously ill due to Listeria can minimize their exposure to the bacteria by avoiding soft, runny cheeses; unpasteurized dairy products; pates; hot dogs; and cold cuts, " stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health.

Those at highest risk from infections with Listeria include pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems. In pregnant women, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage or the birth of a stillborn baby. In the elderly and those with chronic illness, Listeria infections can cause complications that result in death.

Symptoms of Listeriosis include sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting. In normal individuals, Listeria infection often causes only mild illness with flu like symptoms. Symptoms usually occur approximately three weeks after eating a product contaminated with the bacteria, but may occur as early as three days after exposure and as late as 70 days after exposure.

To avoid infection with Listeria:

• Avoid soft, runny cheeses (hard cheeses, processed cheeses, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt need not be avoided)

• Avoid or thoroughly cook until steaming hot: cold cuts, hot dogs, and leftovers. This includes cold cuts from deli counters

• Thoroughly cook all raw food from animal sources, such as beef, poultry, and pork

• Always wash raw vegetables before eating

• Never consume raw (unpasteurized) milks or foods made from raw milk

• Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods

• Wash your hands, knives, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling uncooked foods.

For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.