More Cases of Listeriosis In B.C.

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.-The number of  known cases of listeriosis in B.C. has grown.   It had been confirmed there were three cases, two in Northern Health and one fatal case on the Island.  Of the Northern Health cases, one person has been  discharged from  hospital another was  sent to Vancouver for further treatment.  The location of the  4th confirmed case has not been released, nor have the locations of two more suspected cases.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to collaborate with provincial and local health authorities in British Columbia,Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to investigate an increase in cases of Listeriosis with the same genetic fingerprint (strain).

The following table indicates the latest number of confirmed and suspected cases of Listeriosis broken down by province.

Note:  The numbers below are current as of mid-afternoon (eastern time zone)on Aug 31, based on reports to the Public Health Agency of Canada from the provinces and territories.  There may be some variance with numbers from provinces and territories released later in the day.

Confirmed and suspected cases:

The following table indicates, of the confirmed cases, the number of deaths where Listeriosis was the underlying or contributing cause, and the number of deaths currently under investigation.

For most people, the risk posed by listeria is very low.  Healthy people who are exposed to listeria are rarely affected by the bacteria.  However, there are certain people who are at higher risk for listeriosis – the very young, the very old, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

People from these at-risk groups who may have eaten contaminated products and have experienced symptoms, such as persistent fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, should consult their health care provider.

We recommend that those at greater risk take precautionary measures when preparing food by avoiding the recalled products, avoiding raw, unpasteurized milk and dairy. products, and ensuring that raw vegetables are washed thoroughly before they are eaten.

Just as the number of cases grows,  so does the list of recalled foods.  Click here for the latest details.

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