Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
According to the CDC, eight individuals in Maryland, New York, and Virginia have been infected with the same strain of Listeria. Seven required hospitalization, and one death has been reported in Maryland so far.
The outbreak is linked to certain soft requesón/ricotta cheeses produced by Clover Hill Dairy, which have been recalled from stores and retail locations.
The Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license and is conducting a follow-up evaluation at the facility.
The CDC and FDA are working to determine if additional products may be linked to this Listeria outbreak.
Consumers, especially those who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems, should avoid the recalled cheeses due to the heightened risk of invasive listeriosis.
The CDC recommends thoroughly cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese to prevent further contamination.