The number of patients with an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infection caused by Big Olaf ice cream continues to increase.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are currently 25 confirmed patients in the outbreak and prevention. Made in Florida and initially thought to be sold only in the state, the agency reported that the ice cream was also sold to a location in Fredericksburg, Ohio.
A patient died and a pregnant woman miscarried after eating ice cream. Of the 25 patients, 24 required hospitalization. Eleven different states have reported patients.
Thirteen victims were residents of Florida, and 10 reported traveling to Florida in the days before they became ill. Onset dates from January 24, 2021 to June 24, 2022. Patients ranged in age from under 1 year to 92 years old. The CDC used patient samples and ice cream samples, as well as a national database of Listeria strains, to determine that the patients were all part of a single outbreak.
1 patient has been identified in Colorado, 13 in Florida, 1 in Georgia, 1 in Illinois, 1 in Kansas, 1 in Nebraska, 2 in Massachusetts 1 in Minnesota, 1 in New Jersey, 2 in New York, and 1 in Pennsylvania.
Additional patients may be identified as it may take up to 70 days after exposure to symptoms of Listeria infection. Additionally, the reporting and testing process takes three to four weeks to confirm outbreak patients.
All flavors, batches and expiration dates of Big Olaf branded ice cream products are recalled through June 30, 2022. Big Olaf brand ice cream is sold to consumers in plastic pint-sized containers and half-gallon plastic containers. Ice cream is sold to independent retailers in 2.5-gallon plastic tubs.
State testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 17 flavors of ice cream at the Big Olaf production facility and at 16 facilities. The factory has been discontinued.
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