The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an increase in fatalities related to a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat, bringing the death toll to nine. This marks an increase of six deaths since the CDC’s previous report on August 8, when three fatalities were confirmed.
The outbreak has now affected at least 57 people, 14 more than earlier reports this month, with all affected individuals requiring hospitalization. The listeria outbreak spans 18 states, with deaths reported across eight states. The six newly reported deaths include one each in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, New York, and two in South Carolina. The initial three deaths were in Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Death toll reaches nine in listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat https://t.co/Lxrg7foCl2
— Independent US (@IndyUSA) August 29, 2024
According to the CDC, this is the largest listeria outbreak since the 2011 incident linked to cantaloupe, and the agency suspects that more people could be affected beyond the 57 confirmed cases. The true number of those sickened is likely higher, as many people recover from listeria without medical attention and therefore may not be tested or reported. Additionally, it can take up to four weeks to confirm if a recent illness is part of the outbreak, meaning the current numbers may not reflect all affected individuals.
The outbreak was first linked to Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, which was recalled in late July due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Following the initial recall, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed that a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria. In response, Boar’s Head expanded the recall to include all products made on the same assembly line at their facility in Jarratt, Virginia, totaling 7 million pounds of deli meats.
While Boar’s Head has stated that none of the recalled items are currently available for sale, health officials are urging people to check their refrigerators and clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled products. The CDC emphasized that listeria is a resilient bacterium that can survive on surfaces like meat slicers and remain active at refrigerated temperatures. The agency advises that reheating deli meats to a high temperature can kill the bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
A multistate listeria outbreak has been linked to the deaths of nine and hospitalizations of 57. Here’s how to protect yourself from foodborne illnesses. https://t.co/YmkDwFyMJM
— Scientific American (@sciam) August 29, 2024
Listeria poses a particular risk to certain groups, including pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeria infection generally appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can manifest as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks afterward. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, while others who are not pregnant may also experience headaches, stiff necks, loss of balance, or seizures.
Key Points:
i. The CDC reports that nine people have died in a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat, up from three deaths earlier this month.
ii. At least 57 people across 18 states have been sickened, all requiring hospitalization.
iii. Boar’s Head has recalled 7 million pounds of deli meats from their Virginia facility due to potential listeria contamination.
iv. The CDC warns that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some may recover without medical attention and testing.
v. Listeria is especially dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, with symptoms ranging from fever to severe neurological issues.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
