South Africa: Decrease in new listeriosis cases as of May 19 /update 10

Event

The recent listeriosis outbreak in South Africa has reportedly been brought under control after meat products from Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken were recalled nationwide in recent weeks. According to health officials, infection rates have decreased from 24.9 new cases a week at the height of the outbreak in January and February, to an average of 6.4 new cases a week in May. As of Saturday, May 19, at least 1033 cases, including 204 associated deaths, have been confirmed. Among the provinces most affected by the outbreak have been Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the recall, additional isolated cases of listeriosis may be reported 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 at the greatest 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).