We are currently investigating a series of listeria illnesses that have occurred in Texas over the first several months of this year.  The cluster of illnesses appears to be an outbreak–i.e. the illnesses are likely related to the same food source–because the DNA pattern isolated from the stool or blood samples of sickened individuals is indistinguishable.  It is not yet known what common food item is responsible for this listeria outbreak.

Notably, listeria monocytogenes, which is the bacteria that causes listeriosis, has caused more than a few recalls and other food safety emergencies this year:

On May 10, USDA-FSIS issued apublic health alert for various ready-to-eat deli meat products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

On May 4, Greco and Sons Imports recalled 822 pounds of prosciutto products due to potential contamination by listeria.

On May 1, Custom Corned Beef, Inc., a Denver, Colo., establishment recalled recalled approximately 460 pounds of fully cooked crumbled pork sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,

On April 26, Pennsylvania suspended the permit of a dairy to sell raw milk because its milk products tested positive for listeria.

In April, Del Bueno cheese company of Grandview, Washington issued two recalls of its queso fresco product due to potential contamination by listeria.

Minnesota ham recall due to listeria.

Chick pea salad recalled due to listeria.