The deadly listeriosis outbreak in South Africa could potentially spread to 16 other African nations, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“This is a wake-up call for the continent to strengthen national food safety and disease surveillance systems,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa.

Also read: Listeriosis epidemic in SA worst to date

According to a statement posted on its website, the countries vulnerable to listeriosis outbreak are Angola, Botswana, Congo, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Namibia has already recorded 1 case of the deadly infection.

Also read: Namibia records first case of listeriosis

The WHO says despite an international recall of affected products, further cases are likely due to the long incubation period of the disease.