Six states are affected by a new listeria outbreak and one of them is Illinois.

Health officials said this week that the outbreak has made at least 16 people in the U.S. sick so far across 6 states, according to NBC Chicago. Most people that were sick were hospitalized, one sickness resulted in the loss of a pregnancy, and one has died, according to the CDC.

What's Behind It?

Authorities think that the outbreak is linked to meat and cheeses sold at deli counters across the states. So far the food poisoning has been in New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and California.

In October, Hy-Vee pulled some of it's cheese products from stores (including stores in Iowa & Illinois) because of listeria concerns. Interestingly, so far 11 out of the 16 people that have been sick so far are of Eastern European background or speak Russian. Weird coincidence but officials are working to see if there's a connection there.

What's Listeria And How Do I Know If I Have It?

Listeria is caused by eating a food-borne bacteria that is also one found in soil, water, and animals, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. You'll notice symptoms a few days after you've been exposed to the bacteria but the IDPH says that the normal incubation period is about 3 weeks. Basically, you could get really really sick. It sounds like food poisoning times 3.

Symptoms include: 

• Sudden fever
• Intense headache
• Nausea & vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Delirium
• Coma

Listeria is treated with antibiotics. If you think you might have it, you should definitely go to a doctor.

You can keep up with the current listeria outbreak at the CDC's map of affected states here.