(Ithaca, N.Y., July 30, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community of a Listeria outbreak linked to select Boar’s Head Deli Meats. The impacted products include various liverwurst, salami, bologna and ham deli meats, as well as a “heat and eat” bacon product. A complete list of all impacted items is available online. These products have been recalled and consumers are advised not to consume and to throw out the products.
To date, 34 cases of Listeria have been reported, including 12 cases in New York State, 1 of which is in a neighboring county. 33 of the 34 cases have required hospitalization and 2 deaths have occurred. 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. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually begin within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria. Symptomstypically include:
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- Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue
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- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Listeriosis is a life-threatening condition, with one out of every six infected persons likely to die from this infection. Monitor for symptoms if you may have consumed any of the recalled products. Contact your health care provider if symptoms develop.
People who are pregnant may experience little to no symptoms, with flu-like symptoms being the most common symptom. However, the infection can have severe outcomes for the fetus. Pregnant persons are at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Listeria can also cause intestinal infection, though this is less common. Symptoms of intestinal illness (such as diarrhea and vomiting) usually start within 24 hours after eating food contaminated with Listeria and usually last 1–3 days.
For more information on the recall, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products.
Tompkins County Whole Health envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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