Active Public Health Outbreaks in Connecticut

Surveillance Report • November 30, 2025

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CRITICAL ALERT: Multi-State Listeria Outbreak

A severe Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals and cheeses has worsened as of late November 2025. Federal officials report 6 deaths and 27 hospitalizations across 18 states, including impacts in Connecticut.

Affected Products in CT Retailers (Target, Big Y, Wegmans, BJ's)

  • Scott & Jon's Shrimp Scampi (Use-by dates through March 2027)
  • Locatelli Pecorino Romano (Boar's Head/Ambriola brand)
  • Marketside & Home Chef prepared pasta meals (Various dates)

Respiratory Viral Season (2025-2026)

Connecticut is currently in the early stages of the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. While national trends show a sharp increase in activity, Connecticut's local transmission levels remain comparatively low but are rising. The CT Department of Public Health (DPH) has transitioned to a combined surveillance dashboard for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV.

Influenza
Low
Rising Trend
COVID-19
Moderate
Stable
RSV
Low
Early Season
Discrepancy Note: CDC national data indicates "High" ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) activity in the Southeast, which typically predicts Connecticut's trend by 2-3 weeks. Local wastewater surveillance suggests viral loads are beginning to climb in Fairfield and New Haven counties.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Resurgence

Following a massive spike in 2024, Pertussis cases remain elevated in 2025. Health officials attribute the multi-year surge to waning immunity and gaps in routine vaccination.

2023 Baseline ~11 Cases
2024 Surge 111+ Cases
2025 (YTD) High Activity

*2025 data indicates incidence rates are on track to exceed 2024 totals.

Vector-Borne Disease Summary (2025 Season End)

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Status: Season Concluded.
The 2025 season saw a geographic expansion of WNV-positive mosquito pools into 21 towns. The first confirmed human case was reported in September (Fairfield County, male, 40s). No additional late-season clusters have been identified as of November.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Status: Inactive.
While neighboring states (NY, NJ) reported activity, Connecticut had no confirmed human cases of EEE in 2025. Surveillance for the year has effectively ended with the onset of frost.