Boar’s Head listeria outbreak possibly caused 2 deaths in South Carolina, health agency says

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health said the deaths of two people may be linked to a national listeria outbreak from Boar’s Head deli meat.

Details about which counties these deaths were in have not yet been made available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been investigating a national listeria outbreak that, since July, has resulted in 43 hospitalizations and three deaths throughout 13 states as of Aug. 8.

“Unfortunately, an outbreak of listeria has reached our state, and is potentially the cause of two deaths here,” state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said. “We want to ensure South Carolinians are aware of this outbreak and that everyone takes necessary steps to avoid consuming products that could be the source of infection.”

Boar’s Head liverwurst and several other deli products have been recalled.

Health officials are recommending several steps to avoid getting sick:

Do not eat recalled meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.

Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.

Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats.

Those who listeria is especially harmful to, including those who are pregnant, older than 65 or have weakened immune systems, should not eat meats sliced at the deli or should heat them “until steaming hot” before eating.