Six more deaths linked to Boar’s Head beef listeria outbreak

six More people have died and more than a dozen others have become sick in a multistate listeria outbreak linked to roast beef at Boar’s Head, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an update Wednesday.

The total number of deaths now stands at nine, and 57 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak, bringing the total to more than 100. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said This was the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, when more than 30 people died from infected watermelons. The outbreak has been reported in 18 states.

On July 25, Boar’s Head recalled its Strassburger liverwurst products due to concerns about the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The meat was produced at its facility in Jarratt, Virginia.

The recall was expanded days later to include seven million pounds of meat, which the company said was every item produced at the facility.

“Food safety is our top priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers is our top priority,” Boar’s Head said in a statement. Update August 15“We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on the affected families. There are no words to fully express our sympathy and the sincere and deep pain we feel for those who have suffered loss or have been affected by illness.”

Deaths occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia. Patients ranged in age from 32 to 94, with a median age of 77.

Data shows that cut meats at butcher shops, including Boar’s Head liver sausage, are contaminated with listeria. The bacteria spreads easily between butcher shop equipment, surfaces, hands and food, the CDC said. Refrigeration does not kill the bacteria.

Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mayo ClinicIf a listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms may include neck stiffness, headache, and loss of balance. Listeria can be very dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and people over 65.