9 people dead. What are the symptoms?

Boar’s Head deli meats have killed nine people as part of a widespread listeria outbreak spanning several states, federal health officials reported Wednesday. The products were initially recalled last month.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest deaths include two consumers in South Carolina and one each in Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee and New York. Three additional deaths had already been confirmed in Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia.

Listeriosis infections from the recalled deli meat have caused at least 57 hospitalizations, including nine deaths, across 18 states since the CDC investigation began on July 19, according to health officials.

Here is what we know about the recall.

More:Put those chips down: FDA issues recalls on at least 10 food items in August. See which

Bugs, mold and mildew in Boar’s Head plant linked to outbreak, new reports show

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported multiple violations at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia that is linked to the nationwide recall of meats. A new report released by the department detailed the presence of bugs, mold and mildew on the site, according to CBS News.

Records show sightings of insects in and around deli meats at the plant, including one instance that prompted the agency to tag more than 980 pounds of ham for investigation. Another record flagged concerns over flies entering and exiting vats of pickle, the news organization reported.

“Small flying gnat like insects were observed crawling on the walls and flying around the room. The rooms walls had heavy meat buildup,” the USDA wrote in its report.

Other parts of the facility also reportedly had bugs, including what looked to be “ants traveling down the wall,” as well as a beetle and a cockroach.

Has the outbreak affected anyone in Texas?

As of Thursday morning, there is no record that anyone in Texas has been affected by the outbreak.

Which Boar’s Head deli meats were affected? Check best-by dates

Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. recalled all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. 

Here are the following products that were recalled according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Liverwurst: 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” Sell by dates range from July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.
• Virginia Ham Old Fashioned Ham: 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full products or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Italian Cappy Style Ham: 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham: 6-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Bologna: 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Beef Salami: 2.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat: 5.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT.” Sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
• Garlic Bologna: 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• Beef Bologna: 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled as “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA.” Sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.

What is listeria?

Listeria is a type of bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, according to the CDC. This infection typically arises from consuming contaminated food, particularly deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods like salads and soft cheeses.

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

Pregnant women are at heightened risk because listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. The bacteria can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures, making it challenging to control in some foods.

What are the symptoms of listeria?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
• Death

How to consume deli meats safely

• Do not eat recalled deli meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
• In addition, do not eat any other deli meats you get sliced at deli counters, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
• Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats. This is especially important if you purchased any of the recalled deli products.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
• People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
• Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.

-USA Today contributed to this report