**Breaking: Listeria monocytogenes Outbreak Traced to Contaminated Produce**

**BREAKING NEWS**

**Philadelphia, PA (August 12, 2023)** - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a public health alert following an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to contaminated produce.

According to the CDC, 25 cases of listeriosis have been reported in four states: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Three people have died from the infection, and several others have been hospitalized in serious condition.

The contaminated produce has been identified as romaine lettuce, which was distributed to supermarkets and restaurants in the affected states. The CDC is urging consumers to avoid eating romaine lettuce and to discard any that they may have.

Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or the brain, causing meningitis or encephalitis. Listeria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

The CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate the outbreak and to identify the source of the contamination. The agency has not yet announced any recalls, but it is advising consumers to take precautions to avoid infection.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.