(Cupventi.com) – A deadly outbreak of listeria, traced back to Boar’s Head deli meat, has claimed the lives of nine people and sickened over a dozen more across 18 states, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. The CDC has reported that 57 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, which marks the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, when contaminated cantaloupe resulted in more than 30 deaths.
The initial recall, issued on July 25, targeted Boar’s Head’s Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, produced at their Jarratt, Virginia, facility. However, the recall was later expanded to include 7 million pounds of meat, effectively covering all products made at the Virginia plant. Boar’s Head has expressed deep regret over the impact of the recall, stating, “Food safety is our absolute priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness.”
The outbreak has claimed lives in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. The affected individuals ranged in age from 32 to 94 years old, with a median age of 77, highlighting the vulnerability of older adults to the infection.
According to the CDC, the source of contamination is believed to be meats sliced at delis, particularly Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, which were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria are highly resilient, spreading easily across deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Refrigeration is ineffective in killing the bacteria, making it particularly dangerous in deli environments.
Listeria infection can present symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause more severe symptoms, including stiff neck, headache, and loss of balance. The infection is especially dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and people over the age of 65.