Four Dead Amid Listeria Outbreak Linked to Trader Joe’s, Walmart Products

Four people have died and at least 19 others have been hospitalized due to a listeria outbreak linked to products sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart.

The Center for Disease Control announced a safety recall for pre-cooked pasta meals sold across 15 states.

Included in the recall are Trader Joe's Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettucine alfredo sold in a 16-ounce plastic tray. The "Best By" dates for the affected products are September 20, September 24 and September 27.

Walmart's Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce sold in a 12-ounce plastic tray was also included in the recall. The CDC said that these products have been pulled from shelves but that shoppers should check their refrigerators for items with "Best By" dates labeled September 22, September 24, September 25, September 29, September 30 and October 1.

Listeria symptoms usually begin within two weeks of consuming the contaminated foods and may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.

Pregnant women and people over 65 or who have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in newborns, the CDC announced.

What You Should Do:

If the contaminated food has not yet been consumed, you are advised to throw it out. Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product as listeria can easily spread by contact.

If symptoms appear after having consumed the products, the CDC advises to call a healthcare provider right away.