Fact Check: "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, CDC reports."
What We Know
The claim that "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually" is supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, it is estimated that each year in the United States, approximately 1,600 people are infected with Listeria, and around 260 people die from the infection. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, and older adults, but it is considered a rare infection overall.
Further corroboration from the CDC indicates that while about 800 laboratory-confirmed cases are reported annually, many cases go undetected or unreported, leading to the higher estimate of 1,600 cases. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in tracking foodborne illnesses accurately.
Analysis
The claim is largely accurate, as it aligns with CDC estimates. The CDC's data is derived from extensive surveillance and research, making it a reliable source. The figure of 1,600 cases is not just a raw number; it reflects a broader understanding of the incidence of listeriosis, which includes cases that may not be diagnosed or reported.
However, it is important to note that the figure represents an estimate rather than a confirmed count of cases. As mentioned, only about 800 cases are confirmed through laboratory testing, which raises questions about the accuracy of the broader estimate. The CDC's methodology for estimating unreported cases is based on statistical modeling and may not capture all nuances of the actual incidence.
Additionally, the context of the claim matters. While 1,600 cases may seem significant, listeriosis is still classified as a rare illness compared to other foodborne pathogens. For instance, the CDC reports that listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., which further emphasizes the severity of the disease despite its lower incidence compared to other infections.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually" is partially true. While the CDC does estimate that approximately 1,600 people are infected each year, this figure is an estimate that includes unreported cases. The actual number of confirmed cases is lower, at around 800. Therefore, while the claim is supported by credible data, it lacks the nuance of being an estimate rather than an exact count.
