Three people have now died in a listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, federal food safety officials announced Thursday, and the overall number of people sickened rose to 43.
The additional death happened in Virginia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a news release Thursday. The other two deaths were in New Jersey and Illinois. The CDC also said nine more cases were reported since a July 31 release about the outbreak, which started in late May.
Boar’s Head recalled 7 million pounds of deli meats on July 30, expanding an initial recall on July 25 after a liverwurst sample collected by health officials in Maryland tested positive for listeria. The CDC said Thursday that a New York health officials tested a liverwurst sample and confirmed the same strain of listeria.
The recall includes more than 70 products — including liverwurst, ham, beef salami and bologna — made at the company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia.
Boar’s Head already faces two lawsuits over the outbreak, one in a Missouri court and the other a class action suit in federal court in New York.
The meat was distributed to stores nationwide, as well as to the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama. Consumers should not eat the recalled meats and should discard them or return them to the store for a refund. Listeria bacteria can survive and grow in the refrigerator, so officials say people who had recalled products should thoroughly clean and sanitize the fridge to prevent contamination.
The CDC estimates 1,600 people a year get listeria food poisoning and about 260 of those people die.
The most common symptoms include fever, muscle aches and fatigue, though infections may also cause confusion and convulsions. Infections are most dangerous for people older than 65, people with weak immune systems and pregnant people. Symptoms may not appear for weeks after eating contaminated food.
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A third fatality has been reported in the ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. The outbreak, which was first identified in early September, has now affected a total of 10 people across several states.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria, can include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
The outbreak has been traced back to deli meats produced by Boar’s Head, a popular brand known for its high-quality meats and cheeses. The company has issued a voluntary recall of several of its products, including turkey, ham, and chicken slices.
Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for any Boar’s Head deli meats that may be affected by the recall. If you have any of the recalled products, you should not consume them and instead return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
In addition to the three reported fatalities, several other individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. Health officials are working diligently to identify the source of the contamination and prevent any further illnesses.
It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with listeria and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. This includes properly storing and handling deli meats, as well as staying informed about any recalls or outbreaks that may affect the products they consume.
If you believe you may have consumed contaminated deli meats and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and reduce the risk of severe illness or death.
As the investigation into the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats continues, consumers are advised to stay informed and follow any guidance provided by health officials. By taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones, individuals can help prevent further illnesses and ensure their safety when consuming deli meats.
