The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of listeria infections in multiple states linked to deli cheese and meat.Â
The CDC has recorded a total of 16 listeria infections in six states, including seven in New York and one in New Jersey.
The agency says the infections have led to at least 13 hospitalizations, one death and one case of pregnancy loss.Â
Officials say listeria was found in deli meat packages from NetCost Market locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Five New Yorkers who were infected with listeria shopped at this store chain.
The CDC says investigators do not believe that these locations are the only source of the illnesses, and they are searching for specific products or delis linked to the outbreak.Â
The CDC defines listeria as "a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove from deli counters and other food processing facilities. It can easily spread between food and equipment or surfaces."