The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating two deaths and 28 hospitalizations linked to the recent nationwide listeria outbreak.

One death was recorded in New Jersey, but officials didn't specify where.

News 12's Amanda Lee spoke to Bruce Ruck, managing director for the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, who shared some safety information. Sliced deli meats are the suspected cause of the nationwide outbreak but it's still being investigated.

Ruck explains, "These are the meats you would go to the deli and buy. Turkey, roast beef, ham, salami, whatever it may be. Nobody knows for sure which specific meat it is, or which deli it's coming from, but it is nationwide."

Health experts urge sensitive groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are immunosuppressed to avoid deli meats if possible. Otherwise, the CDC says to reheat it to a temperature of 165 degrees or until steaming hot before consumption.

According to Ruck, "Refrigeration does not kill listeria but heating to a very high temperature will."

The source of the outbreak is still being investigated but officials say the spread began sometime within the last few weeks.

Ruck says there is a difference between listeria and salmonella.

"It's two different bacteria. They can both cause severe nausea, vomiting, fever and stuff like that,” he says.

Major factories and meat producers have been ordered to thoroughly clean machinery and surfaces used in meat production until the source is identified.

"If you feel that you got sick, you should speak to your local health care professional, let them know you think you may have had this and they can work with the health department if need be,” Ruck advised.

More information about the outbreak can be found HERE.