CDC: Deaths in multistate Listeria outbreak more than double
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Five more people have died and 14 more illnesses have been reported in a multistate Listeria outbreak caused by sliced deli meats, the CDC said Wednesday.
The outbreak has grown to include 57 illnesses and eight deaths and is the largest outbreak of listeriosis since a 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe, according to the CDC. All 57 people in the current outbreak have been hospitalized.
The new deaths include two in South Carolina and one each in Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico. Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia have also reported deaths in the outbreak, which genetic testing has linked to liverwurst products manufactured by Boar’s Head.
Boar’s Head has recalled more than 7 million pounds of 71 different meat and poultry products as of July 30, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A list of recalled items can be found here.
As we reported previously, outbreaks of Listeria can last for years, and infections may go weeks without showing symptoms. High-risk groups include pregnant women, people aged 65 years or older and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
The CDC continues to recommend that people check their homes for recalled meats, clean their refrigerators and any other areas that may have come in contact with the meats, and call their health care provider if they have recently eaten deli meat and experienced symptoms of Listeria, which include fever and muscle aches.
References:
- More illnesses and deaths in Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats is reminder to avoid recalled products. [CDC press release provided to media before publication.]
- USDA. Boar’s Head Provisions Co. expands recall for ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible Listeria contamination. Published July 30, 2024. Accessed Aug. 28, 2024.
Collapse
Press Release
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts