Cape Town - The Western Cape Health Department on Monday said 29 people have died as a result of listeriosis.
Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said as it stands, 115 confirmed cases have been reported in the province since the outbreak started last year. A total of 77% (88/115) are from various areas within the Cape Metro, and 29 deaths (25%) have been reported to date.
"Our Healthcare staff remain on high alert when patients present with corresponding symptoms at our facilities. It remains a notifiable disease until declared otherwise. We urge the public to look for signs and symptoms of Listeriosis," Mbombo said.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Fever, muscle aches
- gastroenteritis (nausea and/or diarrhea)
- fatigue and a decrease or loss of appetite.
The Enterprise food production facility in Polokwane in Limpopo had been identified as the source of the current listeriosis outbreak, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Sunday.
Processed food manufacturers Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL) have been issued with safety recall notices.