Bonitas Member Magazine 2018 - B-Living Issue 1 | Page 29

Getting to grips with listeriosis South Africa is grappling the largest listeriosis outbreak in the world according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi. By 17 January 2018, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) had recorded 767 cases countrywide since the start of 2017 and of those, 81 confirmed deaths. To ensure that you don’t become part of these statistics, we have compiled the following so you can protect you and your family against this foodborne disease. Listeriosis is a foodborne illness that is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. The bacterium is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water and contaminated food. Animals and food products, such as vegetables, can become contaminated from these sources. The listeria bacterium is highly resilient. It can survive in temperatures as low as 4⁰C and as high as 42⁰C. Thus, handling your food carefully is critical. Who can get it? Healthy people rarely become ill from listeria infection, but the disease can be fatal to unborn babies and newborns. People who have weakened immune systems B-Living Issue 1, 2018 also are at higher risk of life-threatening complications. Those at high risk of severe disease include the elderly, pregnant women and people with serious chronic conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer or chronic liver and kidney disease. Where does listeriosis come from? Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal faeces. Humans typically are infected by consuming raw vegetables that have been contaminated from the soil or from contaminated manure used as fertiliser, eating contaminated meat or consuming unpasteurised milk and milk products. Certain processed foods, such as soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats, may also be contaminated after processing. Thus, listeria Page 28