1 New York Death Reported In Listeria Outbreak Tied To Deli Meats: CDC

NEW YORK — A listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has led to 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 have been reported, including the one in New York, one death has been 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, the CDC said.

According to the CDC, since August 18, 14 more illnesses have been reported nationwide.

The New York State Department of Health told Patch: "The State Health Department, in partnership with the CDC and local health departments, is investigating 17 cases of listeriosis across the state. Eight of the cases have been identified in New York City, two in each in Nassau and Suffolk counties and one case each in Cayuga, Dutchess, Greene, Onondaga and Oswego counties. All infected individuals that we currently have information on have been hospitalized. One fatality has been reported in New York. To protect the family’s privacy, we cannot disclose further information."

As of August 27, a total of 57 people infected with the outbreak strain of listeria have been reported from 18 states, the CDC said, including the 17 in the New York.

The CDC added that all 57 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering, the CDC said.

The true number of sick people in the outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses; that's because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for listeria, the CDC said. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak, the agency added.

On July 31, Boar's Head expanded a recall to include 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Recalled items include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

The recalled products, which were sold nationwide, include varieties of ham, bologna, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and more. The products have sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024 through Oct. 17, 2024. A full list of recalled products is here.

The initial recall, issued July 26, included more than 207,000 pounds of meat and came just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that several people in multiple states had been sickened after eating meats sliced at deli counters.

Eating food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or 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, and are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

To avoid getting sick, consumers are urged to not eat the recalled products. The CDC also advises that people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system heat any deli meats to 165 degrees or until steaming hot before eating.

Health officials also recommend disinfecting your refrigerator if you stored any of the recalled products.

Boar's Head issued a statement on their website: "Food safety is our absolute priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. For generations, Boar’s Head has always been, and remains, committed to the quality and safety of our products. You have our promise that we are dedicated to all Boar’s Head products consistently meeting the high quality and safety standards you deserve and expect. We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness."