Listeria Outbreak in US: 2 Dead, 24 Sick linked to 7 Sick in Canada: Likely cause Cooked Diced Chicken

The CDC, several states, and USDA/FSIS are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. While the source of the outbreak was not identified, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection. At the same time, the Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in several Canadian provinces linked to cooked diced chicken. WGS shows that the type of Listeria making people sick in Canada is closely related genetically to the Listeria,  making people sick in the United States. As of August 23, 2019, a total of 24 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states, with 22 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.  In Canada as of August 23, 2019, there have been 7 confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes illness with 6 hospitalizations in three provinces: British Columbia (1), Manitoba (1) and Ontario (5).  A specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified as the source of infections in the United States. @ https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-08-19/index.html