By IDSE News Staff
The CDC reported another death related to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to deli meats sliced at a counter. Since the last update on July 31, nine more cases have been reported bringing the total to 43 people who have been hospitalized (https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html).
Three deaths have now been reported: one each from Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia. The outbreak was linked to sliced deli meats from Boar’s Head, which recalled certain ham, turkey and liverwurst products on July 26.
On July 30, Boar’s Head expanded its recall to include all deli products, including prepackaged deli products, in shelf life from this establishment. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the Department of Agriculture mark of inspection on the product labels.
Pregnancy is a risk factor—and people typically experience fever, fatigue and muscle aches—but Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection for the newborn. People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. Those who are 65 years of age and older and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Symptoms of severe illness usually start one to four weeks after eating contaminated food with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after, the CDC said.
Warn patients to avoid eating deli products, especially if they are pregnant, ages 65 and older, and have weakened immune systems.
