Breaking News: CDC Update on Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak
In a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ongoing listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head deli meat has shown a slowing trend in reported illnesses and deaths. Here are the latest details:
- Recent Statistics:
- One new death, two new hospitalizations, and a case of illness in a new state have been reported, bringing the total numbers to 59 sick individuals, including 10 fatalities, across 19 states.
- The most recent death occurred in New York, marking the second fatality in the state. The outbreak has also spread to Louisiana, with one reported hospitalization.
Map of Affected States in Listeria Outbreak
According to the CDC, a total of 59 people have been affected across 19 states by the listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meat, resulting in 10 deaths. The map below illustrates the distribution of cases across different states, with New York reporting the highest number of cases at 17.
List of States Affected by Listeria Outbreak
The states affected by the listeria outbreak include:
- New York
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Missouri
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
Details on Boar’s Head Product Recalls
Boar’s Head initiated a recall of 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats on July 26, followed by an expanded recall on July 30, which included over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The company took this action after discovering that its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst was linked to the national listeria outbreak.
Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products Recalled
- Produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a 44-day shelf-life
- Identified as “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia”
- Available in 3.5-pound loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced in retail delis
- Sell-by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024
Other Recalled Boar’s Head Deli Meat Products
Boar’s Head also recalled all deli products made at the Jarratt facility, including prepackaged deli products. Consumers should look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels.
Understanding Listeriosis (Listeria Poisoning)
Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a serious foodborne bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It poses a significant risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms of Listeriosis:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and life-threatening infection in newborns
- Death
Individuals in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their exposure.
Stay informed and stay safe!
This article was originally published on USA TODAY.