61 people die from Listeria outbreak in South Africa
At least 61 people have died from a year-long outbreak of
listeriosis, caused by a food-borne bacteria in South Africa as revealed
by the country's health minister Monday.
The disease, Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a
naturally-occurring germ typically transferred through contaminated
food, although it is readily treatable with antibiotics. A total of 727
cases have been confirmed since January 2017, Health Minister Aaron
Motsoaledi said in a statement.
As of December 5, the confirmed death toll stood at 36, but has since
risen to 61 because of the disease’s “rapid spread and unusual or
unexpected behaviour”, it has been elevated to the country’s list of
intensively monitored, serious conditions, Motsoaledi added.
A poultry abattoir in the capital Pretoria was identified by health
officials as suffering from listeriosis contamination but it was unclear
whether the facility was the source of the outbreak, the statement
said.
Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water, vegetation and the
faeces of some animals.
Contamination in humans can result in flu-like
illness, infection of the bloodstream and, in severe cases, infection of
the brain which can prove fatal. People with compromised immune
systems, like some of those living with AIDS and pregnant women, are at a
heightened risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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