The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned consumers about a listeria outbreak linked to "Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses" such as queso blanco, queso fresco, and queso panela.

The CDC issued a food safety alert about a multi-state outbreak of listeria infections linked to these Hispanic-style soft cheeses on Friday.

The health agency noted that the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes has already put seven people in the hospital across four states: Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and New York. Six of the seven patients, with ages ranging from 45 to 75 years old, are Hispanic.

The CDC said these illnesses were reported from Oct. 20, 2020 to Jan. 22, 2021, with six people getting sick only this year. No deaths have been reported. 

According to the agency, the true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely higher than the number reported since some people recover without medical care and are never tested for listeria.

The CDC has yet to identify the Hispanic-style soft cheeses brand, so it warned people, especially those at higher risk, not to eat them until more information is available.

Related article: Listeria Threat: FDA Announces Recall of Pre-Cut Watermelon, Apples, Other Fruits

The agency said state officials were already investigating and testing the samples of the Hispanic-style soft cheeses collected from stores where sick people report purchasing them.

The CDC advised individuals at higher risk for severe listeria illness, such as pregnant people or those over 65 years old, to avoid these cheese products.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

According to a Kion546 News report, listeria is a germ that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, and people usually become sick after eating contaminated food.

The CDC said that pregnant people with listeria infection usually experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. But in severe cases, it can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

The agency further noted that people who are not pregnant might experience headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. 

The CDC said anyone who experiences any symptom of severe listeria illness after eating these "Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses" should immediately contact their healthcare provider.

The CDC also recommends sticking to cheeses that say "made with pasteurized milk" on the label. Although pasteurization kills listeria, it said infection is still possible if conditions are not sanitary at the facilities.

Read also: CDC Issues Clearest Guidelines Yet for Safely Reopening Schools Amid Pandemic