Massive deli meat recall linked to more listeria illnesses, deaths

(NEXSTAR) – Millions of pounds of meat have been recalled, dozens have been hospitalized and now three people are dead in a dangerous listeria outbreak.

The death toll rose last week as health officials continue to investigate the spread of the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that three deaths – one in Illinois, one in New Jersey and one in Virginia – are linked to the listeria outbreak.

Forty-three people have also been hospitalized, and an unknown total number of people have been sickened. Illnesses associated with the outbreak are confirmed in 13 states so far: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The deadly food poisoning outbreak has led to the recall of more than 7 million pounds of popular Boar's Head products made at a plant in Virginia. Pre-packaged deli poultry and meat, as well as meat intended to be sliced at delis, are affected.

The newer recall includes 71 products made between May 10 and July 29 under the Boar's Head and Old Country brand names. They include liverwurst, ham, beef salami, bologna and other products made at the firm's Jarratt, Virginia, plant.

An earlier recall impacted more than 200,000 pounds of sliced deli poultry and meat.

Listeria infection can cause mild symptoms for some people (fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), but can grow more serious for others. Severe symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Symptoms can come on quickly, within a few hours or days after eating contaminated food, or take as long as 70 days to appear.

Elderly and pregnant people are at especially high risk. Pregnant people can experience miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or other complications as a result.

Anyone at high risk of listeria complications is advised to heat deli meat until it's "steaming hot," or 165 degrees Fahrenheit, before eating to kill any present bacteria.

Consumers should not eat the recalled meats and should discard them or return them to the store for a refund.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.