Five more people died in a nationwide outbreak of Listeria Infections linked to contaminated Boar's Head brand meat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday.
So far, 57 people in 18 states have become ill and have had to be hospitalized. A total of eight have died. According to the latest figures, this is the largest listeriosis outbreak in the USA since 2011, when cantaloupe melons processed in an unsanitary plant caused 147 Listeria Infections in 28 states, causing 33 deaths, the CDC reports.
The new cases and deaths follow a massive recall of over 7 million pounds of Boar's Head meat products, including 71 of the company's products. That recall was announced on July 30 and was an expansion of a July 26 recall that recalled an additional 207,528 pounds of Boar's Head products. As of August 8, the last time the CDC released an update on the outbreak, the number of cases had risen to 43, with 43 hospitalizations and three deaths.
In a media statement on Wednesday, the CDC said the updated number of cases and deaths was a “reminder to avoid recalled products.” The agency noted that the outbreak bacteria, Listeria monocytogenesis a “resilient germ that can stick to surfaces such as slicers and foods even at refrigerator temperatures. Additionally, it can take up to 10 weeks for some people to experience symptoms of listeriosis.” The agency recommends that people check their refrigerators for recalled Boar's Head products with expiration dates extending into October.
If you find recalled meat, don't eat it, the agency warns. Throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it and get your money back. The CDC and U.S. Department of Agriculture also recommend disinfecting your refrigerator, as the germs can survive there for a long time.
L. monocytogenes is most dangerous for pregnant women, people 65 years of age and older, and people with weakened immune systems. In these groups, the bacteria are more likely to migrate beyond the gastrointestinal tract and cause an invasive listeriosis infection. In the elderly and immunocompromised, listeriosis usually causes fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, but can also cause headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. In these cases, hospitalization is almost always required, and one in six people dies. In pregnant women, listeriosis also causes fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, but can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.