Listeriosis claims three in the Lowveld

At least three people have died of listeriosis in the Lowveld’s hospitals over the past two weeks, Lowvelder reports.

Mandla Zwane, director for communicable diseases in the Mpumalanga Department of Health, said the department is investigating the possible origin.

READ MORE: Spike in Listeria infections in SA: why it matters

The National Department of Health is also investigating the countrywide outbreak.

It said between 60 and 80 cases occur every year, but since July unusually high numbers of babies have been diagnosed.

An investigation showed a large increase in cases over the course of the year: 647 by Tuesday. At least 36 people have died as a result.

The most cases have been reported in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

By December 8, 21 cases had been confirmed in Mpumalanga for the year.

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