According to the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and government officials, these cheeses are a likely source of an outbreak that puts seven people in hospital in Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Virginia.
“People who are not at greater risk for serious diseases should make sure that fresh and soft Spanish-style cheeses (such as queso fresco) they eat have labels: ‘Made with pasteurized milk,'” the CDC said in a statement on Friday. said a news release.
People at higher risk for serious listeria diseases, such as pregnant people or older than 65, should avoid these cheese products, the CDC said.
“Do not eat fresh and soft cheeses in Spanish style (such as queso fresco, queso blanco and queso panela) until we identify a specific type or brand that makes people sick,” the agency said.
Listeria can cause common food poisoning symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
“Pregnant people usually experience only fever, fatigue and muscle aches. However, listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or life-threatening infection of the newborn,” the CDC said.
“People who are not pregnant can also experience headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches,” the CDC said.
“Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any symptoms of severe Listeria disease after eating fresh and soft Spanish-style cheeses.”
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