Publisher Platform: What’s Going On With Listeria and Boar’s Head?

Diseases: 34

Hospital admissions: 33

Deaths: 2

States: 13 – Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (6), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), North Carolina (1), New Jersey (2) , New York (12), Pennsylvania (1), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (1).

Ranging in age from 32 to 94 years

Average age 74

44% female

56% male

7,200,000 pounds of pig’s head meat recalled

Epidemiological and laboratory data now show that meat cut in delis, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, is contaminated with Listeria and is making people sick. Testing identified Listeria in an unopened package of Boar’s Head liverwurst collected as part of this investigation, resulting in a recall. Whole genome sequencing shows this is the same strain making people sick in this outbreak.

Products sold in the deli, especially those that are cut or prepared in the deli, may be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria spreads easily under deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food. Refrigeration will not kill Listeria, but reheating it to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs on this meat.

As of July 26, 2024, a total of 34 people from 13 states have been infected with the Listeria outbreak. The samples from sick people were collected from May 29, 2024 to July 12, 2024. Of the 33 people for whom information was available, all 33 have been hospitalized. One person became ill during pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovery. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey.

The actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the reported number, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics and the food they ate in the month before they became ill. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.