1.WARNING! Listeriosis Outbreak - Source of information has been found

Kindly receive the information below as a warning on the outbreak on Listeriosis. Staff members are encouraged to follow the News to inform and educate themselves more about this food-borne disease.

The number of lab-confirmed cases attributed to the disease now stands at 948 with a fatality rate of 27% cases.

Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that government has narrowed down the sources of the deadly Listeriosis outbreak<https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/enterprise-foods-to-recall-affected-products-but-conducting-own-listeriosis-tests-20180304> in South Africa. Motsoaledi announced on Sunday that processed food manufacturers Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL) have been issued with safety recall notices following the Listeriosis outbreak.

The Enterprise food production facility in Polokwane in Limpopo, as well as one Rainbow Chicken polony factory in the Freestate, have been identified as the sources of the current Listeriosis outbreak.

Brief information on Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water and vegetation. Animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can be contaminated from these sources.

Infection with listeria may result in the following three conditions:

1. Flu like illness with diarrhoea including fever, general body pain  vomiting and weakness.
2. Infection of the blood stream which is called septiceamia.
3. Meningoencephalitis (infection of the brain).

Although anyone can get Listeriosis, those at high risk of developing severe disease include new-borns, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity due to other illnesses such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease.

To read more on latest news on the Listeriosis, please open the links below:
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/listeriosis-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know-20180305 

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/remove-any-enterprise-ready-to-eat-meat-products-tiger-brands-13591303

Regards,