South Africa: Listeria outbreak continues /update 1

Event

Health officials reported that as of Monday, January 8, 727 cases and 61 deaths due to an ongoing listeria outbreak. Cases have been recorded nationwide, with the highest number of cases reported in Gauteng province. The outbreak began in January 2017, and authorities are still investigating the source.

Context

Listeriosis is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, typically contracted via the consumption of contaminated food or water, and can lead to meningitis or encephalitis. Symptoms of listeriosis include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), fever, abdominal pain, headache, and body aches. If caught early enough, listeria infections can be treated with antibiotics. Newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk of infection.

Advice

Individuals present in South Africa are advised to seek medical attention if presenting the above symptoms. To minimize the risk of contracting the illness, individuals are advised to thoroughly cook all meat and fish, thoroughly clean all fruits and vegetables before consumption, immediately wash hands and utensils (knives, cutting boards, etc.) that have come into contact with raw or frozen foods, and avoid drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk and milk products (yogurt, cheese).