The Listeriosis outbreak in South Africa has claimed 172 lives and the source of the outbreak still remains unknown.
“As of 20 February 2018, 915 laboratory-confirmed cases of Listeriosis have been reported to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) since 1 January 2017. So far the outbreak has already claimed 172 lives. Unfortunately, the source of the outbreak still remains unknown,” said the National Health Laboratory Service.
In a statement on Thursday, the service said Gauteng accounts for 59% of reported cases, followed by the Western Cape with 12% and KwaZulu-Natal with 7%.
Listeria is a bacterium that is naturally found in the environment. It commonly occurs in soil, water, vegetation and in the faeces of some animals. It can contaminate a wide variety of food types, including meat and meat products, dairy products both unpasteurised and pasteurised, fresh and frozen produce and ready-to-eat products.
“This fact, coupled with a variable incubation period that can range from 6 hours to 70 days, poses a major challenge in determining the source of the outbreak,” said the National Health Laboratory Service.
It said various stakeholders, including numerous government departments, the healthcare sector, the veterinary public health sector, and the food industry are working around the clock to find the source of the outbreak.
Specialised tests are being conducted by experts at the NICD laboratories to assist in detecting the source as soon as possible.
“The NICD is optimistic that the source of this outbreak will be found, and urges members of the public not to panic unnecessarily.
“Members of the public are urged to be vigilant all the time by observing the above guidelines, and to assist health authorities by spreading the message as widely as possible. Those in doubt must consult their nearest healthcare practitioners,” said the service.