A Virginia resident is dead following a listeria outbreak in multiple states linked to Boar’s Head deli meat products.
The additional death brings the total dead to three from this strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The two other deaths occurred in Illinois and New Jersey.
In August, nine additional cases were reported. There have now been 43 hospitalizations in 13 states from this strain of listeria.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the Centers for Disease Control told NPR. “This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.”
Listeria can be especially harmful to people who are pregnant, age 65 or older or with weakened immune systems. Listeria symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, confusion and convulsions. Symptoms generally start one to four weeks after eating contaminated food.
Boar’s Head has recalled ready-to-eat liverwurst products produced between June 11 and July 17. The meats have a 44-day shelf life. Sell-by dates range from July 25 to August 30. Boar’s Head later recalled all deli products including prepackaged deli products. The recall includes more than seven million pounds of ready-to-eat meat.
According to the CDC, the New York State Department of Agriculture and markets’ division of food safety and inspection collected unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products from retail stores, and the New York state food laboratory identified Listeria monocytogenes. WGS determined it to be the same strain as the strain making people sick in this outbreak.
Refrigeration does not kill listeria; heating the meat may kill germs.
The CDC always recommends that people at higher risk for listeriosis avoid eating meats sliced at the deli or heat them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or until steaming hot before eating.
Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., is based in Jarratt, Virginia. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head customer service at 1-800-352-6277.
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Crystal Graham
