Listeria monocytogenes outbreak (Archive)

Update: August 27, 2008 - 16:00 (EST)

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to collaborate with provincial and local health authorities in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) 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.

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.

Media Enquiries:

Public Health Agency of Canada
Philippe Brideau, Media Relations
(613) 948-7970

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
(613) 228-6682