Mon Nov 25 18:00:00 UTC 2024: **California Infant Dies in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meat Recall**
SACRAMENTO, CA – A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat has claimed the life of an infant in California, prompting a large-scale recall and raising concerns about public health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today. The outbreak, spanning from October 2021 to July 2024, has sickened eleven people across four states: California (seven cases), Illinois (two), New York (one), and New Jersey (one). The infant’s pregnant mother also contracted listeria. While the infant’s twin also died, tests did not reveal a listeria infection. The exact date of the infant’s death was not disclosed.
The outbreak led to the recall of over 72,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products manufactured by South Carolina-based Yu Shang Food Inc. The recall followed positive listeria tests on October 21st.
The CDC stressed that the actual number of infected individuals is likely significantly higher, given that many mild cases go unreported or undiagnosed. The agency also warned that the outbreak might extend beyond the four states currently identified.
Listeria, a bacterium that can contaminate food, causes listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like neurological issues. The CDC reports listeriosis as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, estimating 1,600 annual infections and 200 deaths.
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