South Africa: Source of listeriosis outbreak traced to Polokwane food facility /update 7

Event

South African health authorities have confirmed at least 945 listeriosis cases nationwide as of early March. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), at least 176 associated deaths have also been recorded. Among the most affected provinces are Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. The source of the outbreak was traced on March 4 to a food facility in Polokwane (Limpopo province), leading health officials to call on all people present in South Africa to avoid consuming cold meats and sausages.

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 (e.g. knives, cutting boards, etc.) that have come into contact with raw or frozen foods, and avoid drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk and milk products (e.g. yogurt, cheese).