The multistate Listeria outbreak connected to deli meats, notably Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, continues to worsen, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a surge in illnesses and fatalities.
Since the last update on August 8, there have been 14 new cases and six more deaths, bringing the total to 57 people infected across 18 states and nine deaths.
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All 57 individuals with available information have required hospitalization, highlighting the severity of this outbreak.
The death toll has risen to include one person each in the states of Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and New York, along with two deaths in South Carolina.
Health officials emphasize that the actual number of sick people is likely much higher due to underreporting and delays in diagnosis.
Read: WHO Declares Mpox A Global Emergency As New Variant Emerges
While the investigation is ongoing, interviews with those affected reveal that 93% consumed deli meats, with 95% specifically eating meats sliced at a deli counter. A concerning 61% of respondents reported eating deli-sliced liverwurst, with 19 specifically mentioning the Boar’s Head brand.
The outbreak has prompted Boar’s Head to recall over 7 million pounds of deli meat products. Individuals at high risk, including pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are strongly advised to avoid deli meats unless thoroughly heated.
The general public should practice safe food handling and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms of Listeria infection, such as fever, muscle aches, or confusion.
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