The Executive Mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality Cllr B. Modisakeng warns the citizens of Sedibeng about the outbreak of Listeriosis and also urges them to take precautionary measures.

In a press release sent to the media this afternoon, Cllr Modisakeng says the source of the outbreak is currently being investigated. She quoted the Minister of Health Dr A. Motsoaledi who said:  “It’s believed that this particular outbreak is from a food source that is being consumed by both the rich and the poor, and the contamination points may well be farms and food processing plants’’.

Listeria is found in soil, water and vegetation. Animal products and fresh produce can be contaminated which is then consumed by humans.

“Those who contract the disease will have flu-like symptoms including diarrhoea, fever, general body pains & weakness. If you experience the symptoms mentioned, rush to look for medical help, in other words don’t just assume and sit at home especially if you get flu like symptoms now in summer,” says Cllr Modisakeng.

The World Health Organisation ( WHO) has advised on the following five keys to food safety:

• Keep Clean – wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation.
• If you are handling or storing raw food, do not touch already cooked food unless you have thoroughly washed your hands and food preparation utensils.
• Never eat half cooked or uncooked food especially meat products. For families with no source of clean running water need to boil their water before domestic use.
• Keep food at safe temperatures. Food to be kept cold should be refrigerated and food to be served hot should be served hot.
• Use pasteurized milk products. In situations where pasteurization is not possible,  boil the milk prior to use.