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…
Namibia has recorded the first case of listeriosis, the Namibian Minister of health Bernard Haufiku confirmed. “A 41 year old man was diagnosed with the disease on Monday and is being treated in a hospital in Windhoek. This is the first case of listeriosis reported in Namibia since the outbreak…
The Zimbabwean government has halted imports of a wide range of processed meat products from South Africa (SA) to prevent the spread of listeriosis. Listeria has killed 180 people since breaking out in SA late last year. On Sunday, Health Minister Aaron Motswaledi identified a food processing plant in Polokwane…
Zambia has banned the import of processed meat products, including polony, sausages and ham, from South Africa (SA) to safeguard citizens from contracting listeriosis, which broke out in SA last October. Listeriosis is a disease caused by infection with listeria, with pregnant women, elderly people, children, and immune compromised adults…
The latest listeriosis epidemic in South Africa (SA) is considered to be the worst in the world to date. The 61 deaths in SA due to the disease is the highest number reported so far. A panel of experts met in Pretoria, SA, recently during a National Press Club gathering…
Rwanda has banned the importation of a wide range of meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruit products from South Africa (SA) following the outbreak of listeriosis, a food-borne viral disease that causes fever, muscle aches and diarrhoea among other gastro-intestinal symptoms. The disease has infected over 500 people and killed…
Question: There have been recent media reports about deaths from Listeriosis in people in South Africa. Does the disease also occur in animals? Listeriosis does occur in animals and is caused by a bacterium [germ] called Listeria monocytogenes. Three syndromes occur, and these are meningitis and encephalitis, abortions or still-births, and…
