OPINION Ramp up listeriosis campaign

ON DECEMBER 5, our health authorities announced 36 deaths by a form of food poisoning known as listeriosis. By December 18, the toll was 41.

On Monday, it stood at 61, showing the gravity and pace of the outbreak.

There is also a fear that many more may have fallen victim to food contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi reported 727 laboratory-confirmed cases.

The problem, it seems, is tracing the patients after diagnosis. Only 134 of them have been found.

Health officials blame patients’ reluctance to be identified, false addresses and so on.

Critics also cite poor record taking at hospitals and clinics.

Either way, only a tiny percentage of poisoned patients are to be found for treatment after their test results come back.

Pinpointing

Another worrying problem is pinpointing the source of the outbreak, which would mean a breakthrough in arresting it.

So far, our scientists have had no success, and the hunt goes on.

The bacteria are widely distributed in nature, found in soil, water and vegetation.

Animal products and fresh produce can be contaminated by them.

Symptoms of the illness may occur from two to 30 days after exposure.

Newborns and pregnant women are at high risk.

They may display mild flu-like symptoms, headaches, muscle ache, fever, nausea and vomiting.

If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can result in a stiff neck, disorientation or convulsions.

Miscarriages or premature delivery pose the biggest threat to expectant mothers.

Newborns, who can contract the disease in the womb from mothers who eat contaminated food, can suffer life-threatening infections. In some instances, the bacterium can cause babies to be stillborn.

Elderly people and adults with impaired immune systems run special risk of contracting listeriosis.

Those displaying these symptoms should promptly seek medical help.

More serious cases can be treated with antibiotics.

In most instances, though, no treatment is required.

The outbreak is a priority national concern.

Health authorities must amplify their campaign and educate citizens on the worth of sanitary food preparation.

They must also intensify their search for the source of it all.