Listeria Outbreak Tied To IL Death Linked To More Cases

ILLINOIS — A widespread listeria outbreak — linked to at least one death in Illinois — has expanded, according to new information from the Centers for Disease Control. The recall of a popular brand of deli meat is believed to be behind a listeria outbreak that's now active in 13 states.

A second death in the outbreak was reported in New Jersey.

Here's the latest on the outbreak that has sickened dozens and killed two:

What products are linked to the outbreak?

The listeria outbreak is believed to be linked to Boar's Head deli meats. The company last week announced a recall of several types of deli meats, including all liverwurst products, as well as some types of ham, salami and bologna.

The recall includes 207,528 pounds of products that were shipped to retail locations nationwide. See the full list of recalled products.

The recall, issued July 26, came just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that several people in multiple states had been sickened after eating meats sliced at deli counters.

Eating food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. People outside these risk groups are less affected.

How many people are impacted by this outbreak, and in what states?

As of July 26, 34 people had been sickened in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the CDC. That's up from the 28 reports of Illinois in 12 states reported earlier this month.

Cases have been reported in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Georgia Maryland and beyond. Deaths were reported in New Jersey and the other in Illinois, and that case is the only report of illness in Illinois so far.

Here is a map where cases have so far been reported:

"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," health officials said in a news release. "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 usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak."

Company faces first lawsuit

Boar's Head is facing its first lawsuit connected with the outbreak: A Missouri couple who regularly purchase Boar's Head liverwurst from their local Schnucks grocery store. According to information from the couple's lawyer, OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, the woman became "deathly ill" after eating the liverwurst in June.

"After purchasing and consuming Boar's Head liverwurst in June, the Plaintiff became deathly ill and was hospitalized in early July. Testing confirmed that she was suffering from a life-threatening Listeria infection. Thankfully, she survived after a long and harrowing hospitalization, but then endured a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility to continue her recovery," a news release from OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers said.

What are the symptoms of listeria?

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

How can I avoid getting sick?

Most importantly, do not eat the recalled products. CDC also advises that people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system heat any deli meats to 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.

Health officials also recommend disinfecting your refrigerator if you stored any of the recalled products.

Are there other current recalls associated with listeria?

Yes. Several kinds of produce, including cucumbers, green beans, peppers and squash, have been recalled over concerns they may be contaminated with listeria, federal authorities said last week.

According to the FDA, the products were sold at both Walmart stores and Aldi supermarkets between July 5 and 12.

Officials report the products were sold in 13 states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In addition to Walmart and Aldi, some of the products were sold at Kroger, Save-a-Lot and Shop N Save.

There have been no illnesses reported to date, the FDA said. More information on that recall can be found here.