Snohomish County Resident Leads State’s Listeria Outbreak Cases
A resident of Snohomish County has been linked to a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, a serious bacterial infection associated with contaminated food products. This case was confirmed by officials from the Snohomish County Health Department. The woman, who remains anonymous for privacy reasons, was hospitalized earlier this month and is now recovering.
Snohomish County’s Role in the Listeria Outbreak
This incident marks the first reported case of this outbreak in Washington state. Health officials have traced the source of infection to certain prepared pasta meals. Consumers are urged to avoid these products. Any contaminated items should be disposed of or returned to the point of purchase.
Recalled Food Products
A list of recalled items has been published, including:
- Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – Sold at Sprouts Farmers Market; dates 10/10 to 10/29
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz) – Best by June 19, 2025, or earlier; sold at Walmart, Fred Meyer, or QFC
- Kroger Deli Bowtie and Penne Pasta Salads – Sold from August 29, 2025, to October 2, 2025
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce (12 oz) – Best by dates ranging from September 22 to October 1, 2025
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine – Available in 12.3 oz (best by June 26, 2025, or earlier) and 32.8 oz (best by June 27, 2025, or earlier)
Health Risks and Recommendations
Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria, can lead to severe symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It poses a heightened risk to specific groups: individuals aged 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. In severe instances, symptoms can escalate to debilitating headaches, confusion, seizures, or balance issues.
Health officials recommend that anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled meals should seek medical attention immediately. Ongoing investigations have connected Listeria infections to prepared meals since August 2024, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 27 cases and six fatalities across 18 states.
Preventative Measures Against Listeriosis
To reduce the risk of Listeriosis, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and products made from it.
- Cook meats thoroughly, including beef, pork, and poultry.
- Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
- Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and ready-to-eat foods.
- Clean hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling raw foods.
For further details and updates on food recalls, please consult the Washington State Department of Health’s Food Recalls and Safety Alerts page. Staying informed is vital for ensuring food safety amidst this outbreak.
