The mother of a newborn girl, who was delivered five weeks prematurely and died six days later of Listeria Meningitis, says that, while pregnant, she ate food that was part of a nationwide Listeria recall, according to a report by NBC12 News. It would be the first illness and death tied to a recent Listeria recall if epidemiological tests establish a link.
Shortly after she was born, little Kennedy Grace Briggs had difficulty breathing and developed a rash. Tests showed she had a Listeria infection and developed Listeria Meningitis, an often fatal form of meningitis.
Baby Kennedy’s parents sat she was a red-head and fighter who battled the infection for almost a week. “She was so loved,” Jenae told NBC12 News.
Pregnant women are at special risk for Listeria. Although they may only experience mild flu-like symptoms, the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, neonatal complications and death. “We have had to suffer the worst thing you could possibly ever imagine because of it. And so you want people to be aware of it,” Jenae told NBC12 News.
There have been a number of foods recalled for Listeria in 2014. Most recently, Wawona stone fruits including peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots. These fruits were sold at retail stores and wholesale clubs all over the country including Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Cub Foods, Kroger, Giants, Martins, Wegmans, Jay C, Dillons, Bakers, Gerbes, King Soopers, City Market, Frys, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Food4less, FoodsCo, QFC, Smith’s, Hannaford and BJs Wolsesale Club.
Food Poisoning Bulletin has received many contacts from nervous consumers about this recall. Some of whom said they experienced illness and have contacted lawyers about their options.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection can take up to 70 days to develop and include fever, headache, muscle aches, upset stomach, diarrhea, stiff neck, loss of balance, and confusion. If you have eaten food recalled for Listeria and develop these symptoms, see a doctor and mention your exposure.
Other recalls for Listeria in 2014 include: sandwiches, smoked salmon, gouda cheese, Trader Joe’s eggwhite salad with chives, crab meat, shelled walnuts, humus, mangoes, salad, cheese spread, peanut butter, ice cream products, bagged salads, and Roos cheese.
