Fact Check: 1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with 260 deaths reported.

Fact Check: "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with 260 deaths reported."

What We Know

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, it is estimated that each year in the United States, approximately 1,600 people are infected with Listeria, and about 260 people die from the infection. This makes listeriosis the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the country. The CDC's estimates are based on data that includes both reported and unreported cases, indicating that many infections may go undiagnosed or unreported (Clinical Overview of Listeriosis).

Analysis

The claim that "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with 260 deaths reported" is supported by multiple reputable sources. The CDC, which is a primary authority on public health in the United States, consistently reports these figures across various publications, including their About Listeria Infection page and the Clinical Overview of Listeriosis. Both documents affirm that 1,600 infections and 260 deaths occur each year due to listeriosis.

Other sources, such as StatPearls and a publication on the importance of Listeria monocytogenes in food safety (PMC), corroborate these statistics, further establishing their reliability. These sources derive their information from the CDC, enhancing their credibility.

The consistency of these figures across multiple reputable sources suggests a high level of reliability. Additionally, the CDC's methodology, which includes both active surveillance and estimates of unreported cases, supports the accuracy of these statistics.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with 260 deaths reported" is accurate. This assertion is well-supported by data from the CDC and corroborated by various credible sources, confirming that these figures reflect the current understanding of listeriosis incidence and mortality in the United States.

Fact Check: 1,600 people get sick from listeria infections annually, with 260 deaths reported.