CAPE TOWN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The listeriosis outbreak which has claimed almost 200 lives in South Africa continued despite a recall of contaminated food, health authorities said on Friday.
As of April 3 this year, a total of 999 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases have been reported since January 1 last year. Out of these cases, 191 patients have died, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said in its latest update on the outbreak.
On March 4, the NICD identified ready-to-eat processed meat products manufactured at a food production facility in Polokwane, Limpopo Province as the source of the outbreak. A nationwide recall of the processed meat ensued.
However, a total of 37 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported since the recall, the NICD said.
More cases will continue to be reported because the incubation period of listeriosis can be up to 70 days and the implicated food products have a long refrigeration shelf life, the NICD said.
It is also possible that despite the recall, some products were not removed from retail/home settings, and consumption might occur, said the NICD.
The institute also warned of cross-contamination of other types of foods in the retail or home setting.
All these may result in additional cases, the NICD said.
However, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases per week are declining since the recall, the institute said.
On March 28, a team of officials from government departments concerned told MPs that the primary source of the listeriosis outbreak was still unknown although contaminated processed meat had been identified as the source of the outbreak.
Health experts had been working around the clock to determine the primary source of the outbreak, the MPs were told.
Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium, listeria monocytogenes, which can be found in soil, water and vegetation. Animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can be contaminated from these sources.
Symptoms from the food-borne disease include diarrhea, fever, general body pains, vomiting and weakness.
