Another Person Dies in Listeria Outbreak Connected To Boar’s Head Products

The latest listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has claimed its third victim. Sadly, the victims are not just statistics but fellow Americans. So, delve into the details of this outbreak and its impact.

Three Deaths and Counting

The listeria outbreak has already resulted in three deaths across Virginia, New Jersey, and Illinois. The tragic loss has left families devastated, and public health organizations scrambling. The outbreak first surfaced in late May and has since swelled to 43 reported cases. As if that wasn’t enough, the CDC suspects that the true number of infected individuals may be even higher due to unreported cases—an unsettling reality we all have to contend with.

LISTERIA OUTBREAK UPDATE: 9 more people sick and a third death reported. Several Boar’s Head deli meat products have been recalled. Do not eat recalled products. Those at increased risk for Listeria infection should always heat any deli meat before eating. https://t.co/41EEWn0H0u pic.twitter.com/tpgFlpEZYB

— CDC (@CDCgov) August 8, 2024

Massive Recalls

Boar’s Head initially recalled several products on July 25, only to expand the recall to a whopping 7 million pounds of deli meats by July 30. Products such as liverwurst, ham, beef salami, and bologna—all produced in the Jarratt, Virginia plant—were yanked off the shelves. It seems this is no small-scale misstep.

High-Risk Groups and Listeria Symptoms

Let’s not forget who suffers most from these outbreaks—the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Listeria symptoms range from fever and muscle aches to confusion and convulsions. In severe cases, it can be a death sentence.

Listeria is especially dangerous for older people 65 and up, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Legal Repercussions and Public Trust

Boar’s Head is now facing lawsuits in both Missouri and a federal court in New York. While these legal actions aim to hold the company accountable, they also raise another urgent question: when will enough be enough? Could this be a wake-up call for better regulations, surveillance, and accountability to ensure tragedies like this don’t become a recurring nightmare?