EVERETT, Wash. — A Snohomish County resident has been identified as part of a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, a severe bacterial infection linked to contaminated food products, according to Snohomish County Health Department officials.
RELATED: Deadly listeria outbreak prompts recall of chicken alfredo fettucine meals
The woman, whose identity remains confidential for privacy reasons, was hospitalized earlier this month and is currently recovering, health officials said.
She is the first person in Washington state associated with this outbreak, which has been traced to prepared pasta meals, according to health officials.
Consumers are advised to avoid eating the affected products and to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
For a list of recalled items distributed in Washington, visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Food Recalls and Safety Alerts page.
Items distributed in Washington
Sold at Sprouts Farmers Market
- Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad – product use by dates Oct. 10 to Oct. 29.
- Consumers are also advised to clean their refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products.
Sold at Walmart, Fred Meyer, or QFC
- Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz – best-by date of June 19, 2025, or prior
- Kroger stores recalled deli bowtie and penne pasta salads – sold on Aug. 29, 2025, thru Oct. 2, 2025
- Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz. – best if used by dates of SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025
- Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3-oz – best-by date of June 26, 2025, or before; and 32.8-oz – best-by date of June 27, 2025, or before
Listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria, presents symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
It poses a significant risk to individuals aged 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. In severe cases, it can lead to debilitating headaches, confusion, seizures, or loss of balance.
Health officials urge anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled prepared meals, whether frozen or ready-to-eat, to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Federal health agencies and public health officials have been investigating Listeria monocytogenes infections since August 2024 linked to the prepared meals.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 27 cases across 18 states, with six deaths.
Listeria bacteria are found in the environment and can spread from contaminated food to surfaces. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator for several days.
To prevent Listeriosis infection:
- Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk.
- Thoroughly cook raw meat, such as beef, pork, or poultry.
- Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.
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