NEW YORK — A listeria outbreak linked to deli meat has resulted in one death in New York, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths nationwide to nine.
Of the nine deaths reported, including one in New York, one death each was reported in Illinois, one in New Jersey, one in Virginia, one in Florida, one in Tennessee, one in New Mexico and two in South Carolina, according to the CDC.
According to the CDC, 14 additional cases have been reported nationwide since August 18.
The New York State Department of Health told Patch: “The State Department of Health, in collaboration with the CDC and local health departments, is investigating 17 cases of listeriosis across the state. Eight of the cases were identified in New York City, two each in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and one case each in Cayuga, Dutchess, Greene, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. All infected individuals for whom we currently have information have been hospitalized. One death has been reported in New York. To protect the family’s privacy, we cannot disclose any further information.”
As of August 27, a total of 57 people from 18 states had been reported infected with the outbreak strain of listeria, including 17 from New York state, according to the CDC.
The CDC added that all 57 people were hospitalized. One person became ill during her pregnancy and continued to be pregnant after she recovered, the CDC said.
The actual number of people sickened in the outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known cases because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for listeria, the CDC said. In addition, recent illnesses may not be reported yet because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, the agency added.
On July 31, Boar’s Head expanded a recall to 71 products manufactured under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024. The recalled items include meat intended for slicing at deli stores and some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail stores, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
The recalled products, which were sold nationwide, include ham, sausage, bacon, wieners, hot dogs and more. The products’ expiration dates range from July 29, 2024 to October 17, 2024. A full list of recalled products can be found here.
The first recall, on July 26, affected more than 207,000 pounds of meat and came just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that several people in several states had become ill after eating meat sliced at the deli counter.
Eating food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that mainly affects pregnant women, people over 65, or people with weakened immune systems. People outside these risk groups are less affected.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. They are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
To prevent illness, consumers are strongly advised not to consume the recalled products. The CDC also advises pregnant people, people age 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems to heat deli meats to 165 degrees or until steaming hot before eating.
Health authorities also recommend disinfecting your refrigerator if you have stored any of the recalled products.
Boar’s Head issued a statement on its website: “Food safety is our top priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers is our top priority. For generations, Boar’s Head has been and will remain committed to the quality and safety of its products. We promise you that we are committed to ensuring that all Boar’s Head products will always meet the high quality and safety standards you deserve and expect. We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on the families affected. No words can express our sympathy and the sincere and deep pain we feel for those who have suffered loss or endured illness.”
