A deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled frozen shakes has claimed 12 lives, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak, which began in 2018, affects people across 21 states. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes were contaminated with listeria bacteria, leading to severe symptoms in infected individuals.
Symptoms of mild listeriosis may include muscle aches, fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the more severe form of the illness can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
The outbreak is ongoing, with 38 people infected so far, including 37 hospitalized patients. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the source of the contamination. Initially, no specific source was identified, but an onsite inspection revealed three positive environmental swabs from a Prairie Farms facility in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Recall notices were issued by Lyons Magnus, which distributed the contaminated shakes primarily to long-term care facilities. The company took immediate action upon learning of the issue, halting purchases from the affected facility and notifying customers. Sysco Imperial has also expressed condolences for those affected.
Source: https://people.com/12-deaths-reported-amid-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-recalled-frozen-shakes-11685769