Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese from Clover Hill Dairy

Federal health agencies warn consumers about a deadly listeria outbreak linked to soft cheese from Maryland-based Clover Hill Dairy. The CDC and FDA report eight infections across Maryland, New York, and Virginia, with seven hospitalizations and one death.

Recall: All Clover Hill soft ricotta/requeson cheeses, including flavored varieties. The FDA warns the cheese may have been relabeled and distributed beyond known states. Consumers should check package labels for manufacturer number '24-128'.

Clover Hill issued a voluntary recall after testing found listeria in an 18-pound sealed bucket of requeson. Maryland suspended the dairy's operating license pending investigation.

The CDC advises discarding recalled cheese and sanitizing surfaces with a bleach-water solution. Pregnant women, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk.

Symptoms: fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, miscarriage in pregnant women, and death. Symptoms may appear within two weeks to 10 weeks after exposure.