More cases of listeriosis

THERE have been at least 15 more cases of listeriosis confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal as the outbreak spreads.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), this brings the total number of people infected with the bacteria in the province to 59, the third highest number of cases in the country.

A total of 820 people have been infected since January 1 last year. Eighty-two have died. The source of the foodborne disease has yet to be confirmed.

“Municipal environmental health practitioners in all provinces have embarked on systematic inspection and sampling of meat and poultry production, processing and packaging facilities. Cases of listeriosis will continue to be investigated,” said the NICD.

The listeria bacterium is found in soil, water and contaminated food.

Those most at risk include newborns, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weak immunity systems such as those suffering from HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease.

The department said listeria infection may result in a flu-like illness with diarrhoea, including fever, general body pains, vomiting and weakness.

It may also cause an infection of the blood stream or septicaemia, as well as meningoencephalitis or infection of the brain.