Listeria Outbreak Escalates: Death Toll Rises and Hospitalizations Mount
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in the death toll related to the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. The number of fatalities has now reached nine, marking this as the most severe listeria outbreak in the United States since 2011. This alarming development has raised serious concerns about food safety and the potential far-reaching consequences of contaminated deli products.
5 Key Points
- Death toll from Boar’s Head listeria outbreak rises to 9
- At least 57 people hospitalized due to listeria infections
- Boar’s Head recalls over 7 million pounds of deli products
- Outbreak spans multiple states, with illnesses reported from May to August
- Largest listeria outbreak in the U.S. since 2011
Geographic Spread and Timeline of the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak
The listeria outbreak has affected multiple states nationwide, highlighting the widespread distribution of Boar’s Head products. The CDC has confirmed deaths in South Carolina (2), Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. This geographic diversity underscores the national scale of the outbreak and the challenges in containing its spread.
The timeline of the outbreak is equally concerning. Illnesses linked to the Boar’s Head listeria contamination have been reported from late May until August. This extended period of reported cases suggests that contaminated products may have remained in circulation for a significant time before the full extent of the outbreak was recognized.
Massive Recall and Product Identification
Boar’s Head has initiated a massive recall of over 7 million pounds of deli products in response to the outbreak. The recall initially focused on liverwurst and other products intended for slicing in retail delis with specific sell-by dates. However, as the outbreak’s severity became apparent, the recall was expanded on July 29 to include all foods produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia plant.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for potentially contaminated products. The recalled items can be identified by looking for EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels. Some of these products have sell-by dates extending into October, emphasizing the importance of thorough checks even for recently purchased items.
The Dangers of Listeria and Its Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Listeria is a particularly insidious form of food poisoning due to its ability to survive and even thrive in refrigerated conditions. The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 people contract listeria food poisoning annually, with about 260 fatalities. What makes listeria especially dangerous is the wide window for symptom onset, which can range from immediate to up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Certain populations are at higher risk for severe complications from listeria infections. These include older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The current outbreak has tragically highlighted these vulnerabilities, with many of the reported fatalities occurring in older adults.
A Personal Tragedy: The Story of Gunter Morgenstein
Among the victims of this outbreak was Gunter “Garshon” Morgenstein, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor from Newport News, Virginia. Morgenstein’s story puts a human face on the tragedy, illustrating the profound impact of food safety failures on individual lives.
Morgenstein, a flamboyant hair stylist with a 70-year career, regularly enjoyed Boar’s Head liverwurst, believing it to be a high-quality product. He fell ill in early July after consuming the contaminated meat and was hospitalized on July 8. His condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in permanent brain damage. Tragically, Morgenstein passed away on July 18, a victim of the listeria outbreak.
FAQ
Q: How many deaths have been reported in the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak?
A: The CDC has reported 9 deaths linked to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak.
Q: How many people have been hospitalized due to this listeria outbreak?
A: At least 57 people have been sickened and hospitalized in the outbreak.
Q: What is the scale of the Boar’s Head product recall?
A: Boar’s Head has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli products.
Q: How can consumers identify recalled Boar’s Head products?
A: Consumers should look for EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels. Some recalled products have sell-by dates extending into October.
Q: Why is listeria particularly dangerous compared to other foodborne illnesses?
A: Listeria is dangerous because it can survive and thrive in refrigerated conditions, has a wide window for symptom onset (up to 10 weeks after consumption), and poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Citations:
JONEL ALECCIA, AP Health Writer. (2024, August 28). Death toll is now 9 in listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head deli meat, CDC says. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/health-news/death-toll-is-now-8-in-listeria-outbreak-tied-to-boars-head-deli-meat-cdc-says/ar-AA1pBjqh?ocid=BingNewsSerp
