Tompkins County Whole Health has announced an update to the listeria outbreak linked to select Boar’s Head Deli Meats, which now includes 71 additional products distributed under the “Boar’s Head” and the “Old Country” brands of deli meat.
The products added to the recall list include various “heat and eat” meat and poultry products. A complete list of all items is available at https://tinyurl.com/yckp3ffw. Do not eat the products, the health department advises; throw them out.
So far, 34 cases of listeria have been reported, including 12 cases in New York, one of which was in Cayuga County. Two people have died and 33 of the 34 cases have required hospitalization. The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher, the department says, and may not be limited to the states with known illnesses because because some people recover without medical care and are not tested.
Listeriosis is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after eating food contaminated with listeria and include:
• Fever.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue.
• Headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Confusion.
• Loss of balance.
• Seizures.
One of every six people listeriosis will likely die of the 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.
For more information on the recall, visit https://tinyurl.com/4dv3se55.
