950 cases and 180 deaths: the origin of the most severe listeriosis epidemic ever in South Africa has been discovered. The bacteria grew in a meat processing plant.
180 people have died from the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa since January 2017, 950 cases have been reported. For the United Nations (UN), it is the largest epidemic ever recorded across the world. South African authorities announced on Sunday that they had found the source of the contamination in a meat processing plant.
THE SOURCE OF THE PRESENT OUTBREAK CAN BE CONFIRMED TO BE THE ENTERPRISE FOOD-PRODUCTION FACILITY IN POLOKWANE. The results show that ready-to-eat processed meat products from Enterprise facility located in Germiston contain L. monocytogenes, the sequence type is not known
– Department of Health (@HealthZA) March 4, 2018
The Listeria Monocytogenes in question
The listeriosis is caused by bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes, present in water, soil or plants. It can contaminate meat, dairy products and seafood. When a person is infected, it results in sepsis, an infection of the blood which can develop into meningoencephalitis, an infection of the meninges and the brain. . When a pregnant woman is infected, it can lead to abortion, premature delivery or cause serious disorders in the newborn, ranging from sepsis to pulmonary, neurological or even skin infection. The consequences of the disease can also be very serious for frail people (the elderly or immunosuppressed people).
What you need to know about #Listeriosis pic.twitter.com/HOA2yqRdnh
– South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 5, 2018
A meat processing plant
The outbreak started at a meat processing plant in the northeastern town of Polokwane. The product in question is a local specialty, the baloney made from pork, beef or chicken offal. Now all the products coming from this factory must be withdrawn from sale. But more cases could be discovered in the coming weeks. In fact, after ingestion of a contaminated product, it takes 70 days for the first effects of the disease to appear.
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