The Centers for Disease Control reported Wednesday that six additional fatalities and 14 new hospitalizations have occurred due to the ongoing multi-state listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head products.

Since the CDC’s investigation commenced on July 19, at least 57 individuals have been hospitalized due to listeriosis infections linked to the recalled deli meats, resulting in a total of nine deaths across 18 different states, according to health authorities.

This is a significant increase from the figures shared in an August 8 update, which reported 43 hospitalizations and three deceased individuals across 13 states.

Among the new fatalities, one each has been recorded in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, New York, and two in South Carolina. Additionally, five new states—Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Tennessee—have reported infections since the early August update.

Initially, the CDC disclosed five new deaths on Wednesday; however, they later updated the total to six.

Since July 26, Boar’s Head has issued recalls for 71 products, which equates to approximately 7.2 million pounds of deli meats. The company is also facing legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit initiated in early August. The family of one victim, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor from Virginia, is considering legal action and has shared their story with YSL News.

Which Boar’s Head products are under recall?

Boar’s Head first announced a recall for over 207,000 pounds of liverwurst and other deli items on July 26, followed by a broader recall on July 30, encompassing more than 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

According to a statement released on July 30, Boar’s Head indicated that they decided to broaden the recall to include all products produced at their Jarratt, Virginia facility, after determining that their Strassburger Brand Liverwurst was connected to the nationwide listeria outbreak.

Recalled Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat liverwurst items

• Produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a shelf-life of 44 days
• “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia”
• 3.5-pound loaves in plastic casing, or other weight packages sliced for retail
• Sell-by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024

Other Boar’s Head deli products recalled

All deli products, including prepackaged items, have been recalled. Customers should look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on product labels inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Listeria outbreak causes six more deaths since early August

Since the last update on August 8, the CDC has reported six more deaths, 14 new hospitalizations, and five additional states affected by the outbreak.

The ages of affected individuals range from 32 to 94 years, with a median age of 75. The nine fatalities have occurred in states including Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina.

Currently, the CDC and USDA have recorded infections in 18 states due to the outbreak.

The affected states are:

• New York: 17
• Maryland: 8
• New Jersey: 5
• Virginia: 4
• Massachusetts: 3
• Florida: 3
• Missouri: 3
• Georgia: 2
• South Carolina: 2
• Minnesota: 1
• Wisconsin: 1
• Illinois:1
• Pennsylvania: 2
• North Carolina: 1
• Indiana: 1
• Arizona: 1
• New Mexico: 1
• Tennessee: 1

Symptoms of listeriosis or listeria poisoning

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a serious foodborne bacterial infection primarily caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This condition is particularly hazardous for older individuals, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.

As per USDA guidelines, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and serious infections in newborns
• Death

Individuals at higher risk who develop flu-like symptoms within two months after consuming contaminated food should promptly seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the consumption of such food, according to the USDA.

Safety precautions

The CDC recommends that vulnerable individuals, such as those who are pregnant, aged 65 and over, or those with weakened immune systems, take special precautions to prevent illness.

Recommendations for at-risk individuals include:

• Avoid consuming recalled deli meats. Discard them or contact retailers regarding returns.
• Do not consume any other deli meats that are sliced at deli counters unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until they are steaming hot. Allow them to cool down before eating.
  • Listeria can multiply in refrigerated foods, but it is effectively eradicated by heating to high temperatures.
• Thoroughly clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come in contact with sliced deli meats, especially if you have any recalled products.
• Seek immediate medical assistance if exhibiting any symptoms:
  • Non-pregnant individuals typically show fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, possibly accompanied by headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
  • Pregnant women often display fever, muscle aches, and fatigue; however, listeria can lead to pregnancy loss or premature births, as well as severe illness or death in newborns.