A nationwide outbreak of Listeria infections linked to contaminated Boar’s Head brand meats has resulted in the deaths of five more individuals, bringing the total number of deaths to eight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Wednesday that the outbreak has sickened 57 people across 18 states, all of whom required hospitalization. This outbreak is now the largest of its kind in the U.S. since 2011 when contaminated cantaloupe caused 33 deaths across 28 states.
The outbreak has prompted a massive recall of more than 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head meat products, affecting 71 different products. The recall, initially announced on July 26, was expanded on July 30 to include additional products. By August 8, the CDC had reported 43 cases, all resulting in hospitalization, with three deaths at that time. The recent updates highlight the continuing seriousness of the situation.
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Meats Claims Eight Lives, Triggers Massive Recall
The CDC emphasized the importance of avoiding recalled products in their latest update, warning that the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria is particularly resilient. It can survive on surfaces like meat slicers and in refrigerated environments, with symptoms of listeriosis potentially taking up to 10 weeks to appear. The agency advises people to check their refrigerators for any recalled Boar’s Head products, which may still be in circulation with sell-by dates extending into October.
If any recalled meats are found, the CDC strongly urges against consuming them, instead recommending that they be discarded or returned to the store for a refund. The CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture also suggest thoroughly disinfecting refrigerators due to the bacteria’s ability to persist on surfaces.
Listeria monocytogenes is especially dangerous to certain groups, including pregnant individuals, those aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. In these vulnerable populations, the infection can move beyond the gastrointestinal system, leading to severe symptoms that almost always require hospitalization, with a significant risk of death. For pregnant individuals, the infection poses additional risks, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe infections in newborns.
