Six more people have died and at least 10 more have been infected in a multistate listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an update on Wednesday.
The death toll now stands at 9. A total of 57 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak, making this the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, when more than 30 people died after eating infected cantaloupe, according to the CDC. Infections have been reported in 18 states.
On July 25, Boar’s Head recalled its Strasburger brand liver sausage over concerns that it contained Listeria monocytogenes, produced at a plant in Jarratt, Virginia.
The recall was expanded a few days later to include 7 million pounds of meat, which the company said was every item produced at the facility.
“Food safety is our absolute priority and the health and well-being of our consumers is of paramount importance,” Boar’s Head said in an update Aug. 15. “We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on the affected families, and words cannot express our sympathy and deepest sorrow for those who have suffered loss and endured illness.”
The deaths have occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia. The ages of those infected range from 32 to 94, with the average age being 77.
The data shows that sliced meats in delis, such as Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, were contaminated with Listeria. The bacteria spreads easily between deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food, according to the CDC. Refrigeration doesn’t kill the bacteria.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If Listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include stiff neck, headaches, and loss of balance. Listeria can be very serious for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and those over 65.
Austin Mullen and Rebecca Cohen worked with us.
