2000 Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Queso Fresco, North Carolina

An outbreak of Listeriosis occurred Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was attributed to the consumption of a fresh, Mexican-style cheese that was sold door-to-door. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 10 case-patients, from cheese bought from the door-to-door vendor, from unlabeled cheese from two Hispanic markets, and from raw milk from the source dairy (specifically milk obtained from the bulk milk tank). The strains of Listeria that were isolated were indistinguishable genetically.

Overview

Outbreak began:October 2000
Affected country:US
States/territories:NC
Pathogen:Listeria monocytogenes
Vehicle(s):Queso Fresco
Location(s):Retail, Door-to-Door Sales to Homes
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:13

Sources & documents

Report / reference links