THREE cases of Listeriosis within the King Cetshwayo District have been confirmed, and the municipality is urging residents to practice appropriate personal hygiene.
In one case, a newborn baby of eNseleni contracted the disease in early January.
The baby was treated immediately and later discharged from hospital.
Health inspectors were unable to trace the source.
Two other cases were reported from Empangeni and in both cases the patients were successfully treated.
Listeriosis is a serious but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
The bacteria can be found in water, soil and vegetation, and animal products and fresh produce can be contaminated from these sources.
As Listeriosis cases are being diagnosed throughout the country, it is more vital that people put personal hygiene habits in place.
Anyone can contract Listeriosis but those more susceptible are newborns, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and their babies.
The incubation varies between three and 70 days, but is 21 days on average.
Up to 10% of people may be asymptomatic carriers.
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, myalgia and malaise, and possibly nausea and diarrhoea.
Spread of the infection to the nervous system can lead to meningitis, while infection of the blood stream could also occur.
How to reduce the risk of Listeriosis:
Ensure all foods from animal sources are thoroughly cooked.
When cooking soups and stews, for example, ensure they are brought to the boil and cooked through.
Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.
Avoid unpasteurised (raw) milk and milk products.
Wash hands and all cooking utensils thoroughly after preparing raw meat.
Wash hands thoroughly after going to the toilet.
Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.
Do not leave cooked foods at room temperature for more than two hours.
Ensure cooked food is piping hot before serving.
Defrost frozen food in the fridge or in water but never at room temperature.
Keep leftovers for a maximum of four days.
For more information, visit King Cetshwayo’s website on www.uthungulu.org.za.
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