USA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a troubling rise in cases and fatalities connected to the ongoing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats.
Since the last update on August 8, 2024, an additional 14 people have fallen ill, and six more deaths have been confirmed. This brings the total number of cases to 57 across 18 states, with nine confirmed deaths.
This outbreak has proven to be particularly severe, with all 57 confirmed patients requiring hospitalization.
The latest fatalities include victims from Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina. Public health officials caution that the actual number of cases may be higher, as not all individuals who fall ill seek medical attention or are tested for Listeria.
Source of the outbreak
Epidemiological, laboratory, and traceback data have pointed to meats sliced at deli counters as the primary source of the outbreak.
In Maryland and New York, public health officials discovered Listeria in unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products collected from retail stores. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the strain of Listeria found in these products matches the strain responsible for making people sick in this outbreak.
Deli meats under scrutiny
Of the 44 people interviewed by public health officials, 41 reported consuming deli meats, and 39 of them had eaten meats sliced at a deli. Notably, 25 of those individuals specifically mentioned consuming liverwurst, with 19 identifying Boar’s Head as the brand they had eaten prior to falling ill.
Boar’s Head has responded to the outbreak by recalling over 7 million pounds of deli meats. The recalled products, which include liverwurst and potentially other deli meats, have “sell by” dates extending into October 2024. This raises concerns that contaminated products may still be present in consumers’ homes.
Continued investigation and consumer warnings
The CDC, in collaboration with state health departments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), is continuing its investigation.
Consumers are urged to check their homes for recalled products, which can be identified by codes such as “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the USDA mark of inspection.
Refrigeration and freezing do not kill Listeria bacteria, which can persist on surfaces, deli equipment, and food.
Given the long incubation period of up to 10 weeks, the CDC advises anyone with recalled products to discard them immediately and thoroughly clean any surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the meats.
Listeria infection risks and symptoms
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. In pregnant women, Listeria infections can lead to serious complications, including premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.
Anyone who has eaten recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about possible Listeria exposure. Since symptoms can develop up to 70 days after exposure, those who have consumed the affected products should monitor themselves for signs of illness in the coming weeks.
For more information on the recalled products, the CDC advises checking the official recall list and following safety guidelines to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
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