On August 8, 2024, the CDC issued an updated Food Safety Alert regarding an ongoing multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections they began investigating on July 19. Since the previous update on July 31, nine additional listeria cases have been reported, bringing the total to 43. All affected individuals have been hospitalized, and the number of deaths has risen to three, with new fatalities in Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia.
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Outbreak summary as of August 8, 2024:
- Illnesses: 43
- Hospitalizations: 43
- Deaths: 3
- States affected: 13
- Recall status: Active
Boar’s Head deli products link the recent outbreaks. On July 30, Boar’s Head expanded their recall to include all deli products, including prepackaged items still within their shelf life. Consumers should check for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels and avoid consuming these items.
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Listeria cases: Precautions for healthcare providers and patients
- Advise patients to dispose of or return recalled deli products.
- Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid deli meats unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have encountered contaminated deli meats.
- Encourage patients who exhibit symptoms of Listeria infection after consuming deli meats to seek medical attention immediately.
Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly invasive listeriosis, when the bacteria spread beyond the gut. Pregnant individuals often experience mild symptoms like fever and muscle aches but face severe risks, including miscarriage and stillbirth. Non-pregnant individuals may suffer from headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, and muscle aches. Symptoms can appear from as early as one day to as late as 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
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