6 Now Dead, More Ill In Widespread Listeria Outbreak: What To Know In CT

CONNECTICUT — More deaths have been linked to a Listeria outbreak that has now killed six people in 18 states. The ongoing outbreak is linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold nationwide at popular retailers, including meals previously sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's.

Back in September, federal health officials issued a warning to shoppers about the health risk in some ready-to-eat pasta meals. Officials said these meals may be contaminated with Listeria. Now, the CDC is reporting that outbreak has led to six deaths and 25 hospitalizations in 18 states. In total, 27 cases have been identified, according to the CDC.

The 9.6-ounce packages of Scott & Jon's Shrimp Scampi with Linguini with use by dates in March 2027, sold at various grocery stores in Connecticut including Target and BJ's Wholesale Club, have been recalled as a result of the ongoing outbreak.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to eat them and to throw away the products or return them to the place of purchase.

Additional foods were previously recalled, which are past their best by dates, the CDC said.

The following states reported illnesses and/or deaths:

"This outbreak may not have been limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported," according to the CDC.

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Eating food contaminated with Listeria can cause Listeriosis, officials said, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

In pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics, though health officials said people in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

To learn more, you can view the public health alert here.

with Patch editor Max Bennett