A listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meat has now affected five more states, leading to a surge in hospitalizations and fatalities, as reported by the CDC in an update on Wednesday.

Since health authorities began investigating on July 19, there have been 57 hospitalizations across 18 states and nine reported deaths. The CDC update on Wednesday showed a significant rise from the last report on August 8, which documented 43 hospitalizations and three deaths across 13 states.

Boar’s Head has issued recalls for 71 products since July 26, representing approximately 7.2 million pounds of deli meats. Additionally, the brand is facing lawsuits, including at least one class-action lawsuit as of early August. The family of an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor from Virginia, who passed away, has communicated their intent to pursue legal action.

Map indicates states impacted by listeria outbreak

The CDC reports that 57 individuals have fallen ill in 18 states due to a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, resulting in nine fatalities.

The accompanying map illustrates where the 57 individuals affected by the outbreak reside. Deaths have been reported in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina, with New York recording the highest number of cases at 17.

States impacted by the listeria outbreak

• New York
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• Virginia
• Massachusetts
• Florida
• Missouri
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Pennsylvania
• North Carolina
• Indiana
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Tennessee

Which Boar’s Head products are recalled?

Boar’s Head initially recalled 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and various deli meats on July 26, with an expanded recall announced on July 30 that included over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

In a statement made on July 30, Boar’s Head disclosed that the broader recall targets all products manufactured at its facility in Jarratt, Virginia, after discovering a link between Strassburger Brand Liverwurst and the national listeria outbreak.

Recalled Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst products

• 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 differently weighted packages sliced in retail delis
• Sell-by dates from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024

Other Boar’s Head deli meat products subject to recall

Boar’s Head has also recalled all deli products, including prepackaged options. Check for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” within the USDA inspection mark on product labels.

Listeriosis or listeria poisoning symptoms

Listeriosis, also known as listeria poisoning, is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This serious condition can pose life-threatening risks, particularly to the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.

Symptoms as stated by the USDA include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Other gastrointestinal issues
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe infection in newborns
• Death

Individuals at higher risk who experience flu-like symptoms in the two months following consumption of contaminated food should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their consumption of tainted food, according to the USDA.