The South Africa Department of Health announced a Listeria outbreak in December 2017. South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that the source of the outbreak was two brands of polony manufactured by Tiger Brands of Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken Limited. Health officials traced the source to the Enterprise food-production facility in Polokwane.
As of May 21, 2018, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) reports 1034 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases from all provinces since January 1, 2017. Of those 1034 cases, 204 deaths have been reported. To date, this is the largest Listeria outbreak in history.
South Africa’s National Consumer Commission ordered a recall of all Enterprise polony, smoked Russians, frankfurters, and Rainbow brand chicken products.
Symptoms of Listeria include:
· Fever
· Muscle ache
· Nausea or diarrhea
If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms include:
· Headache
· Stiff neck
· Confusion
· Loss of balance
· Convulsions
Pregnant women experience mild, flu-like symptoms. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms contact the Centre for Enteric Diseases at (011) 555-0343.