Prince George, B.C.- The outbreak of listeriosis and two confirmed cases in the Northern Health Authority are not enough to order the outright ban of deli meats from Northern Health facilities, at least not right now.

 

Spokesperson Eryn Collins says Northern Health is waiting for the recommendations that come from the various agencies investigating the outbreak before that measure would be considered.

 

Meantime, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is looking at such a possibility.

 

So far, there have been 29 confirmed cases of listeriosis in Canada. Fifteen of the cases have been fatal and all of the cases have been linked to deli meats processed by Maple Leaf Foods at a Toronto  facility. The Federal Ministry of Health is anticipating further cases of the illness as it has a long incubation period of 30 to 70 days.

 

Of the confirmed cases, two were within the Northern Health Authority. One of the patients has since been released from hospital and the other has been transferred to Vancouver for further treatment.

 

Symptoms of listeriois are:

 

Experts advise that those with weak immune systems, seniors or pregnant women should see a doctor as soon as possible if they experience these symptoms.