Health Minister confirms outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa
Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes.
POLOKWANE – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed on Tuesday that 36 people have died following an outbreak of Listeria in South Africa.
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness it has been associated with a wide variety of foods, including dairy products, meat products, vegetables, fruit, and ready-to-eat products. #FoodBorneOutbreak
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) December 5, 2017
Tracing from the 1st of January 2017, as of 29 November 2017, a total of 557 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases have been reported from all provinces.
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“Out of 557 cases, we are certain of the final outcome (discharge or death) for 70 cases. Of these 70 cases 36 persons have died,” he said.
Motsoaledi says Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes.
The bacteria is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water and vegetation. Animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can be contaminated from these sources.
Although anyone can get Listeriosis, those at high risk of developing severe disease include newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity such as HIV, Diabetes, Cancer, Chronic liver or Kidney disease.
Motsoaledi says the department believes the outbreak’s most likely possible source is contamination of food at its origin e.g. farms and agriculture as well as food processing plants.
“The source of this outbreak is currently being investigated, and all the stakeholders are cooperating with the investigation led by the NICD. Environmental Health Officers are following up diagnosed cases and are visiting their homes to sample food where available,” he said.
Members of the public call the NICD Emergency Operations Centre during working hours (011 386 2000)
For Health workers: The NICD Hotline for Clinical Emergencies after hours (082 883 9920) #Listeriosis #Listeria #FoodBorneOutbreak— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) December 5, 2017
