The Mpumalanga Department of Health has recorded a few cases of Listeriosis in various hospitals, including the Evander Hospital, but with no fatalities reported.
Twenty one laboratory confirmed cases were reported from 1 January to 8 December 2017 in Mpumalanga.
The Department of Health said all the cases were investigated and there was no epidemiological link to any of these.
The Department’s Outbreak Response Team Unit is on high alert ,including health facilities, to diagnose and investigate suspected cases.
Most cases are reported in Witbank hospital with six cases, Middelburg with two, Mpungwe with one, Rob Ferreira with four, Themba with two, Evander with one and Barberton with two cases.
Mr Dumisani Malamule, spokesman, said the other two cases were reported at private hospitals, with Emalahleni Private Hospital with one case and Cosmos Private Hospital with one.
He said Listeriosis is a serious bacterial disease caused by Gram-positive rod shaped bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes.
“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. Infection with Listeria usually results in gastro-enteritis with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
“However in persons with weak immunity, Listeriosis can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. In pregnant women, Listeriosis may results in pregnancy loss (abortion) along with meningitis of their infant.
“Anyone can get Listeriosis. However, those at high risk are newborns, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and their unborn babies; and those with underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver and kidney disease.”
Mr Malamule shared various ways of recognising the illness: mild fever, muscle pain, general body pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In high risk people, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system and cause meningitis.
The community can prevent the disease by avoiding eating raw food, unpasteuriSed milk or dairy products.
Locals are encouraged to avoid processed foods and to maintain personal hygiene by washing hands and washing vegetables thoroughly with safe clean water.
The Department assured the public that the disease is being managed and that there is no outbreak at this stage.
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