DISEASE ALERT

ZAMBIANS must be alert all the time in the wake of the outbreak of listeriosis in South Africa which has claimed 180 lives in that country. Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with bacterium called listeria monocytogenes and mainly affects pregnant women, newly-born, the elderly and adults with impaired immune systems. It is imperative, therefore, that all the citizens strictly adhere to the ban on consuming processed meat and dairy products from South Africa where about 940 people are reported to have been infected. As Health Minister, Dr Chitalu Chilufya announced on Monday, the common source of infection are dairy products, meat from infected animals, fruits and vegetables. Polonies, sausages and cheese have particularly been singled out. This is a serious matter considering that South Africa is Zambia’s second largest trading partner whose chain stores have a footprint in all urban areas and fast-growing rural set-up. Supermarkets have all the products from South Africa listed as risky. For instance, Shoprite, which prides itself as Africa’s largest food retailer has 27 supermarkets while Pick ‘n’ Pay has 17 outlets. Game Stores Limited also has outlets, as Spar. Therefore, the presence of the products itemised as a source of listeriosis is indeed widespread; what with the risky products already stored in households and those already consumed during the outbreak period! The Ministry of Health and Government agencies must enhance awareness programmes, targeting households in all areas in English and vernacular languages while inspections and surveillance must be intense. Media reports in South Africa have indicated that this has been the largest ever recorded outbreak of a severe form of listeriosis globally. Authorities in that country have advised citizens not to consume any ready-to-eat processed meat to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. The outbreak has been traced to Enterprise and Rainbow Food factories in Polokwane where production has since been suspended. It will thus be important for Zambians and other citizens alike to understand that the listeria bacterium can contaminate vegetables from the soil or from manure while animals can carry the bacteria hence the meat and dairy products get contaminated. Processed food such as polonies, soft cheese and raw milk are highly susceptible to contamination. The symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, pain in muscles, fever, stiff neck, loss of balance, headache and convulsions if the disease spreads to the nervous system. Particularly, pregnant women must be extra careful. While ready-to-eat products from South Africa have been withdrawn, Zambians must continue taking extra care when preparing or handling local meat and dairy products. They must ensure proper handling of food especially fresh fruits and vegetables which require proper storage if not eaten immediately. It took South Africa more than a year to identify the source of listeria and was only found after preschool children fell ill after eating polony traced to processed meat producers. This is a country with modern health facilities. Zambian citizens must fully cooperate with the government and other agencies in preventive measures. Other countries in the region have also banned and withdrawn food products from South Africa. It will be prudent to involve stakeholders in the education campaign while the media must play a central role in disseminating information to all areas of the country. Information packaging must be well-designed in an attractive manner enough to sustain interest. The rural areas must not be ignored. The Zambia Revenue Authority, Immigration department and other Government agencies n border areas must bolster their operations and ensure that no one smuggles the banned food. Security agencies and law enforcement officers must also be actively involved in this matter of utmost urgency. No citizen should get infected with listeriosis in this country.