The CDC has reported that a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has resulted in 14 new illnesses and 5 additional deaths. This brings the total to 57 cases, all of which required hospitalization, with 8 fatalities overall.

The outbreak is now the largest listeriosis incident since the 2011 cantaloupe-associated outbreak.

Geographic Distribution

The five recent deaths occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina, according to the agency.

Source and Characteristics

• Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can survive on surfaces, such as meat slicers, and in foods, even at refrigerated temperatures.
• While refrigeration doesn't kill Listeria, reheating foods to a sufficiently high temperature before consumption can eliminate the bacteria.
• The CDC reports that epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data indicate that meats sliced at delis, including Boar's Head brand liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria and causing illnesses.

Clinical Information

Symptoms of listeriosis, which include fever, chills, and headache, can take up to 10 weeks to manifest in some individuals.

Public Health Measures

• The health agency strongly advises against consuming recalled deli meats.
• Consumers are urged to check for any remaining recalled products, as they can have a long shelf-life.
• Some of the products have sell by dates extending into October 2024.