Listeria Outbreak Claims Three Lives, Sickens 43 as Boar’s Head Expands Nationwide Recall
A listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has claimed a third life, as federal health officials announced on Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the latest fatality occurred in Virginia, adding to earlier deaths in New Jersey and Illinois. The total number of people affected by the outbreak has risen to 43, with nine new cases identified since the last update on July 31.
The outbreak, which began in late May, has prompted Boar’s Head to recall over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including liverwurst, ham, beef salami, and bologna, all produced at the company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The recall, first initiated on July 25, was expanded on July 30 after health officials in Maryland and New York tested liverwurst samples that confirmed the presence of the same strain of listeria responsible for the outbreak.
The contaminated meats were distributed not only across the United States but also to the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama, raising concerns about the spread of the illness beyond U.S. borders.
Consumers are advised to avoid eating the recalled products and to discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. The CDC warns that listeria bacteria can survive and even thrive in refrigerator conditions, necessitating a thorough cleaning and sanitization of any refrigerators that may have stored the contaminated products.
Listeria is a serious foodborne illness, with the CDC estimating that approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. contract it each year, resulting in about 260 deaths. The symptoms, which can take weeks to appear after consuming contaminated food, include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and can escalate to confusion and convulsions. The illness poses the greatest risk to individuals over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people, who may experience severe complications.
Boar’s Head is already facing legal action related to the outbreak, including a lawsuit in Missouri and a class action suit in federal court in New York. As investigations continue, federal and state health officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from further exposure.
