CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) – The South Carolina Department of Public Health says two deaths may be linked to a nationwide listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats.
Details about which counties those deaths occurred in have not yet been released.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been investigating a nationwide outbreak of Listeria infections since July, which as of August 8 have resulted in 43 hospitalizations and three deaths in 13 states.
“Unfortunately, a Listeria outbreak has reached our state and may have resulted in two deaths,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist. “We want South Carolinians to be aware of this outbreak and take the necessary steps to avoid consuming potentially infected products.”
Boar's Head liverwurst and several other deli products have been recalled.
Health officials recommend several measures to avoid getting sick.
Do not eat the recalled meat. Throw it out or contact the store for a return. Check your refrigerator for recalled deli meats and throw them out or return them to the store. Food stored in the refrigerator can harbor Listeria bacteria. Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meat.
People for whom Listeria is especially harmful, including pregnant women, people over 65 and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid eating sliced meat from delis or cook it “until steaming hot” before eating it.
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