Local Listeriosis case linked to outbreak

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit received confirmation that a Listeriosis case in the district is linked to the provincial outbreak due to Maple Leaf deli meats. There have been no other cases of Listeriosis reported in the district.

"We continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other public health agencies to watch for potential new cases of Listeriosis due to the long incubation period of the disease,” said Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

Take precautionary measures when preparing food by avoiding the recalled products; avoiding raw, unpasteurized milk and dairy products; and washing raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating, especially if you are at highest risk. The people at highest risk are the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Most healthy people with Listeriosis get only a mild flu-like illness (fever, diarrhea, and feel unwell) that resolves by itself. In a few cases and if you are at high risk, symptoms may include persistent fever, neck stiffness, vomiting or nausea. It can then develop into a more serious illness such as swelling of the brain or spine (meningitis encephalitis) or blood poisoning (septicemia).

If you have no symptoms and are not in the high risk group, you do not have to do anything. However, if you have symptoms especially if you are in a high risk group, talk to your health care provider or call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

For more information and an updated list of the products affected by the recall, visit the health unit website at www.healthunit.biz and click on the links under Hot Topics.

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