Listeria outbreak tied to deli meats grows; death toll reaches 9 | CIDRAP

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Since August 8, officials have reported 14 more illnesses in on an ongoing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to tainted deli meats, bringing the total to 57, and 6 new deaths are now confirmed, raising the death count to 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted yesterday in an update.

The current outbreak is now the largest listeriosis outbreak in the United States since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe, the CDC said in a press release.

The deli meats are produced by Boar's Head Provisions Co, Inc, of Sarasota, Florida, which has recalled several products, including liverwurst, hams, bolognas, and salamis. The meats in question have expiration or sell-by dates ranging from July 2024 through October 2024.

"Everyone should check their homes for any remaining recalled Boar's Head products since they can have long a shelf-life. Look for "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024," the CDC said.

Signs of illness from the bacteria—which is especially dangerous for pregnant women, people who have a weakened immune system, and those 65 and older—can take up to 10 weeks to develop.

"Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures,” the CDC said.

"Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces.

Of the 57 case-patients, 17 live in New York state, 8 live in Maryland, and 5 live in New Jersey. In total 18 states have reported cases. The age range of patients is 32 to 95 years.

"Of 57 people with information available, all 57 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering," the CDC said.

Of the nine deaths reported, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, New York, have each recorded one fatality, while two people have died in South Carolina.

During epidemiologic interviews 93% of 44 participants reported eating deli meats before falling ill. Of the 41 people who said they ate liverwurst, 25 (61%) reported deli-sliced liverwurst before getting sick, and 19 (46%) reported Boar's Head brand.

The CDC said people who are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria, should always avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters, unless the meat is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.

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