Deaths Rise In Listeria Outbreak Tied To Deli Meat: The Latest In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — Six more people have died after being infected with listeria from Boar’s Head deli meats tied to a massive recall last month at stores in New York and across the country, health officials said.

As of Thursday, 57 people had been sickened in 18 states and nine have died, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have now been two deaths in South Carolina plus one each in Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee and New York, the CDC said Wednesday. Three deaths were previously confirmed in people who lived in Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia.

The CDC added that all 57 sick people have been hospitalized, and one got sick during pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. That number of cases includes 17 people in New York State, counting the one fatality; eight of these listeria cases are in New York City.

The New York State Department of Health told Patch they would not disclose further information about the person who died.

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.

The recall includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Items include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at stores.

The recalled products, which were sold at stores 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.

That recall was the second one associated with this listeria outbreak. 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.

The CDC says that all customers should not eat any of these products, and check their refrigerator for any other recalled meats, then throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.

People are also urged to clean their fridge, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats. And, those at greater risk for infection are advised to heat up any freshly-sliced deli meats to kill any listeria, until the food reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees or is steaming.

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."

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

Patch's Kara Seymour and Lisa Finn contributed to this report.