State health officials are echoing guidance from the CDC in light of what it says is the largest outbreak of listeria since 2011. Almost 60 people have been sickened, including one in Arizona.
“If we identify the infection, there are effective antibiotics,” said Dr. Nick Staab, medical director for Maricopa County’s Public Health Department. “In the environment, [listeria] can survive for quite a long time on things like cutting boards or meat slicers.”
Even after clearing affected items out of your fridge, he said, it’s important to clean surfaces or anything else that could now be contaminated.
“We know that listeria is a hardy bacteria and can survive on surfaces,” said Staab, “throw out the product and then clean up any space that’s behind it.”
Boar’s Head issued a recall for their ready-to-eat liverwurst and other products from the same facility made between June and July, with sell by dates from the end of July until August.
So check your labels, Staab said, especially if you’re at higher risk. That includes “pregnant persons, older adults as well as persons with immuno-compromising conditions.”
“If they do have those products they should throw them out,” he said. “It's also really important that you clean the places where the deli meat ... have touched.”
Staab added the disease is treatable if it's caught in time, but prevention is key.
