NY-based Listeria Outbreak Kills Two

A multi-state outbreak of six confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes, including two fatalities, is likely traced back to Ouleout cheese from Vulto Creamery of Walton, New York, federal health officials said.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, six people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from four states since September 1, 2016. All six were hospitalized, and two people from Connecticut and Vermont died. One illness was reported in a newborn.

Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that soft raw milk cheese made by Vulto Creamery was the likely source.

Vulto issued a recall two days ago for all lots of Ouleout, Miranda, Heinennellie, and Willowemoc soft wash-rind raw milk cheeses.

The soft raw milk cheeses were distributed nationwide, with most being sold at retail locations in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, California, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., according to the CDC.

Connecticut health officials said cheese from Vulto was sold at Whole Foods in Fairfield. Whole Foods has begun its own recall, officials added. It's also possible that some specialty shops in Connecticut also sold the cheese, health officials stated.

This investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided when more information is available, CDC officials said.