The CDC has reported a listeria outbreak linked to a meat recall following the death of an infant and illness of their mother in California. With cases spanning four states, the outbreak highlights the dangers of listeria infection, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Tragic Listeria Outbreak in the US Results in Infant Death and Meat Product Recall
Tragic Listeria Outbreak in the US Results in Infant Death and Meat Product Recall
A listeria outbreak has claimed the life of an infant in California, leading to a significant recall of ready-to-eat meat products manufactured by Yu Shang Food Inc., prompting concerns across multiple states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat products that has tragically resulted in the death of an infant in California. In addition, the child’s pregnant mother also fell ill with listeria. While the child's twin unfortunately died as well, testing did not identify listeria in that infant.
According to CDC data, eleven infections have been reported across four states from October 2021 to July 2024, although details remain unclear regarding the timing of the infant's death. In response to the outbreak, a recall was issued this month for over 72,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products manufactured by Yu Shang Food Inc., based in South Carolina, after listeria was detected in their goods on October 21.
The reported cases include seven individuals from California, two from Illinois, and single cases in New York and New Jersey. The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections is likely much higher than documented, and the outbreak might extend beyond the reported states. Many individuals recover without medical attention and are not subjected to testing, and the timeline for identifying outbreaks typically spans three to four weeks, complicating current figures.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food and result in listeriosis—a serious infection primarily targeting vulnerable populations including older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress. Notably, listeriosis is the third-leading cause of death associated with foodborne illnesses in the United States, with the CDC estimating that 1,600 infections and approximately 200 deaths occur annually due to listeria.
