LISTERIOSIS OUTBREAK IN SA: 36 PEOPLE DEAD, LISTERIOSIS FOOD POISONING IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Posted on: 05/12/2017

Top Articles:

LISTERIOSIS OUTBREAK IN SA: 36 PEOPLE DEAD, LISTERIOSIS FOOD POISONING IN THE WESTERN CAPE
News, Accidents, Robberies & Incidents | National SA News | Dept of Health - SA Government

5 Dec 2017, Cape Town: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Tuesday morning that while Listeriosis is a serious disease, it is a disease which can be treated with antibiotics.

The bacteria is found in soil, water and vegetation. Motsoaledi said people who are most vulnerable include the elderly, children, newborns or those who are ill.

Approximately 557 cases have been reported, with the majority coming from Gauteng province. He said they had traced 70 patients, of whom 36 died.

There have been 67 confirmed cases of Listeriosis food poisoning in the Western Cape. The food poisoning is caused by eating food contaminated by the Listeria bacterium.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced a national outreak this morning. Western Cape Health Department spokesperson, Mark van der Heever, says although the disease is serious, it is treatable with antibiotics.

He says they've identified a number of high risk groups in the province. "All of them have been confirmed via lab testing. Anyone who consumes contaminated food can become infected.

We have identified those in high risk as newborns, the elderly, pregnant women and immune compromised individuals. Also those living with underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease", added Van der Heever.


WATCH VIDEO BELOW (Minister Motsoaledi on Listeriosis):



TAP IMAGES BELOW TO EXPAND GALLERY:


LATEST NEWS, ACCIDENTS, ROBBERIES & INCIDENTS:

Respect yourself, respect others, let's keep these comments respectfully.