9 people are dead. What are the symptoms?

Nine people have died from Boar's Head meat products in a widespread multi-state listeria outbreak, federal health officials reported Wednesday. The products were recalled last month.

According to the US health authority CDC, the latest deaths include two consumers in South Carolina and one each in Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee and New York. Three other deaths had already been confirmed in Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia.

According to health officials, listeriosis infections from the recalled deli meat have resulted in at least 57 hospitalizations, including nine deaths, in 18 U.S. states since the CDC began its investigation on July 19.

Here's what we know about the recall.

More:Put down the chips: FDA is recalling at least 10 food items in August. See which

New reports show insects, mold and mildew at Boar's Head plant linked to outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported multiple violations at a Boar's Head plant in Virginia related to the nationwide meat recall. A new report from the agency describes the presence of vermin, mold and mildew at the site, CBS News reports.

Records show sightings of insects in and around the plant's cured meats, including one incident that prompted the agency to flag more than 980 pounds of ham for investigation. Another report raised concerns about flies flying in and out of containers of pickled vegetables, the news organization reported.

“We observed small, mosquito-like insects crawling along the walls and flying around the room. There was a large amount of flesh accumulated on the walls of the room,” the USDA wrote in its report.

There were also reportedly vermin in other parts of the facility, including what looked like “ants running down the wall,” as well as a beetle and a cockroach.

Has the outbreak affected anyone in Texas?

As of Thursday morning, there were no records of anyone in Texas being affected by the outbreak.

Which Boar's Head delicatessen meat was affected? Check best-before dates

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc. has recalled all of the company's currently commercially available liver sausage products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The ready-to-eat liver sausage products were produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024 and have a shelf life of 44 days.

Here are the following products that have been recalled, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Liver sausage: 3.5-pound loaves wrapped in plastic or in various weight packages, sliced at delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” Best-by dates range from July 25, 2024 to August 30, 2024 and are printed on the side of the package.
Virginia ham, old-fashioned ham: 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. whole products or packages of varying weights, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM.” Best-by date “August 10” on product packaging.
Italian ham Cappy style: 4-pound or other weight packages, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM.” Best-by date of “August 10” on product packaging.
Extra spicy Italian ham Cappy style: 6-pound or other weight packages, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM.” Best-by date of “August 10” on product packaging.
Bologna: 4-pound or other weight packages, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head BOLOGNA.” Best before date “August 10” on product packaging.
Beef salami: 2.5 pound or packages of varying weights, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head BEEF SALAMI.” Best before date “August 10” on product packaging.
Roasted bacon from the steakhouse to warm up and eat: 5.5 pound or varying weight packages, sliced at delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT.” Best by date “August 15” on product packaging.
Garlic Bologna: 3-pound or varying weight packages, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head GARLIC BOLOGNA.” Best before date “August 10” on product packaging.
Beef Bolognese: 3-pound or varying weight packages, sliced in delicatessens, labeled “Boar's Head BEEF BOLOGNA.” Best before date “August 10” on product packaging.

What are listeria?

Listeria is a species of bacteria known as L.isteria monocytogenes, This can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, according to the CDC. This infection typically occurs through eating contaminated foods, especially deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods such as salads and soft cheeses.

Listeriosis poses a significant risk to certain groups, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. In healthy individuals, it can cause mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, in vulnerable populations, it can lead to serious complications, including meningitis (inflammation of the brain's protective membranes), septicemia (a blood infection), or even death.

Pregnant women are particularly at risk because listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths or serious illness in newborns. The bacteria can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures, making it difficult to control them in some foods.

What are the symptoms of listeria infection?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the following symptoms can be observed:

Fever
Muscle pain
Headache
Stiff neck
confusion
Loss of balance
Cramps
Diarrhea
Other gastrointestinal symptoms
Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and/or life-threatening infection of the newborn
Death

How to consume sausage products safely

Do not eat recalled cold cuts. Throw them away or contact the stores to arrange a return.
Also, don't eat any other sausage you get sliced at the deli counter unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or until steaming. Let it cool before eating.
Listeria can grow on foods stored in the refrigerator, but is easily killed if the food is heated to a sufficiently high temperature.
Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats. This is especially important if you purchased any of the recalled deli products.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
People who are not pregnant usually experience fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. They may also experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
Pregnant women usually suffer from fever, muscle aches and fatigue. However, listeria can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. In newborns, it can also cause serious illness or death.

9 people are dead. What are the symptoms?

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