A tragic listeria outbreak has claimed the life of an infant in California, alarming health officials and leading to a significant recall of ready-to-eat meat products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the child's pregnant mother also became ill with listeria. The twin sibling of the deceased infant died as well, though tests failed to identify listeria in that child.
The CDC reported that between October 2021 and July 2024, 11 cases of listeria infections have been documented across four states, with the actual number of infected individuals likely much higher. The health agency explained that the outbreak could extend beyond the states where cases have been confirmed, as many ill individuals may recover without seeking medical care or testing.
In response to the outbreak, which was associated with meat products manufactured by Yu Shang Food Inc., the South Carolina-based company recalled over 72,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat. The recall occurred on October 21, after testing revealed the presence of listeria in their products.
Of the reported cases, seven individuals were from California, while two were from Illinois, and one each was from New York and New Jersey. Listeria is known to pose a serious health risk, particularly to older adults, immune-compromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and gastrointestinal distress.
The CDC notes that listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States, with approximately 1,600 infections and 200 fatalities attributed to it each year. As health officials continue to track the outbreak, they advise the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure to contaminated food.
