Six More people have died and more than a dozen have become ill following a multistate outbreak of listeriosis that originated at Boar’s Head deli, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an update Wednesday.
The total number of deaths is now nine. A total of 57 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak, which the CDC says is the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, when more than 30 people died from contaminated cantaloupes. The outbreak has been reported in 18 states.
On July 25, Boar’s Head recalled its Strassburger brand liverwurst due to concerns that it contained Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The meat was produced at its Jarratt, Virginia, plant.
The recall was expanded days later to include seven million pounds of meat, which the company said represents every item produced at the plant.
“Food safety is our top priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers is paramount,” Boar’s Head said in an Aug. 15 update. “We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on the families affected. No words can fully express our condolences and the sincere and deep pain we feel for those who have suffered loss or illness.”
The deaths occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia. Patients ranged in age from 32 to 94, with a median age of 77.
Data show that sliced meats at delis, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, have been contaminated with listeria. The bacteria spreads easily on deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food, the CDC said. Refrigeration does not kill the bacteria.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If Listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, symptoms can include a stiff neck, headache, and loss of balance. Listeria can be very serious for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and people over the age of 65.
