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

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.

See also: Trump Administration To Partially Pay SNAP Benefits: What It Means For RI

Two items from Nate's Fine Foods Inc. have been recalled as a result of the ongoing outbreak. One is the smoked mozzarella pasta salad sold at Sprouts Farmers Market. This recalled item has use by dates Oct. 10, 2025, through Oct. 29, 2025. Also recalled are 9.6-ounce packages of Scott & Jon's shrimp scampi with linguini bowls with use by dates in March 2027.

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.

See also: RISP Adult Correctional Institutions Investigators Arrest 3 In 1 Day: Cops

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.

See also: Rhode Island Offers Resources To Live Tobacco Free

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.

See also: University Of Rhode Island Professor Awarded Inaugural Taiwan Peace Fellowship

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.

See also: RISP Violent Crimes Task Force Captures Newport No Contact Order Violator: Cops