How many people have died from the Boar’s Head meat listeria outbreak?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported nine deaths that are linked to a listeria outbreak involving deli meat products from the supplier Boar’s Head.

There are at least 57 other cases of listeria infections, with all the affected people hospitalized. The outbreak occurred across the following states:

Boar’s Head Virginia plant found violating health standards

Public health officials inspected a Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia linked to the mass recall of deli meats, and discovered the site violated dozens of regulations. Black mold, mildew, and insects could be found throughout the premises. Operations at the factory have been suspended.

According to information released by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to CBS News, inspectors had already noted 69 incidents of “non-compliance” over the year at the plant in Virginia.

READ ALSO: FDA approves new COVID vaccine

Contaminated liverwurst spurs recall

The Florida-based company first issued a recall of products in July because a ready-to-eat liverwurst product tested positive for listeria. The recall was expanded to include dozens of other products, including bacon, smoked ham, bologna, and sausages.

The CDC warns some of these products have sell-by dates into October 2024.

The health agency reminds customers to refrain from eating recalled meats. Check your refrigerator to see if you have any of them, then throw them away, or return them to the stores where they were purchased to get a refund.

Clean your refrigerator, containers, utensils, and surfaces that may have touched the affected meat products, because listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator and on surfaces.

READ ALSO: Meat could be causing your UTI

List of affected Boar’s Head products

What is Listeria and how is it dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe infections which can be fatal in young children and frail or elderly people as well as others with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to pregnant women having miscarriages and stillbirths.

According to the CDC, Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces like meat slicers and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. It can also take up to 10 weeks for some people to exhibit symptoms of listeriosis.

Infection may result in short-term illness in healthy individuals that can last for days to several weeks. Basic symptoms are similar to what can be experienced with usual afflictions from food, and include the following:

The dangers of Listeria

The serious symptoms for listeria manifest themselves if the bacteria infects beyond your gut. If it reaches the bloodstream, the bacteria can damage your central nervous system. This can result in symptoms such as confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Clearly, these are serious symptoms and medical assistance is necessary. At this stage of the illness, there is a 20 to 30% chance of death.