South Africa: Over 850 listeriosis cases confirmed as of Feb. 5 /update 5

Event

South African health authorities have confirmed at least 852 listeriosis cases nationwide as of Monday, February 5. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), at least 107 associated deaths had also been recorded as of February 5. Among the most affected provinces are Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. The source of the outbreak is currently unknown; municipal health officials throughout the country are continuing to inspect meat and poultry production, processing, and packaging facilities in an attempt to locate the outbreak's origin. The current outbreak is the largest ever documented in South Africa.

Further spread of the listeriosis outbreak is expected in South Africa in the coming weeks.

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).