A listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. in South Carolina has led to the death of an infant and illness in 10 adults across four states. The affected individuals all identified as having Asian heritage. The infant who died was a twin, with the other sibling also dying although the cause was not linked to listeria. The mother of the twins, who was pregnant at the time, also fell ill but recovered. Additional cases were reported in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California.
The contaminated products were discovered during a routine inspection by the USDA, leading to a recall. The CDC has identified a genetic footprint for listeria in the outbreak, suggesting that all cases are linked to the same food source. The recall includes various prepared meat products sold under the Yu Shang Food brand.
Those who have purchased the recalled products are urged to discard them, and any areas where the products were stored should be thoroughly cleaned. Listeria infection can cause serious illness, particularly for older adults, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are at risk of passing the infection to newborns, while the elderly can experience life-threatening complications.
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