Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a serious, but treatable and preventable disease caused by the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes and is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water and vegetation.

Furthermore, animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can be contaminated from these sources.

Infection with Listeria may result in the following conditions:

• Flu like illness with diarrhoea including fever, general body pains, vomiting and weakness.
• Infection of the blood stream which is called septiceamia.
• Meningoencephalitis (infection of the brain).

Individuals at high risk of developing severe disease include newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease.

• How to eradicate Listeria from your kitchen or small shop
• Management of persons following exposure to Listeria-contaminated foods : a guide for healthcare workers
• Media statement by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi regarding the update on the Listeriosisi outbreak in South Africa (04 March 2018)
• Listeriosis : Fequently Asked Questions
• Five keys to safer food
• Food Safety
• Safe, good food for all
• What is food safety?
• Listeriosis pamphlet English | isiZulu

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