There is an outbreak of Listeriosis in Canada. This is an uncommon situation for Canada as outbreaks of listeriosis are more common in the US. Read this article to be better informed and to prevent yourself from becoming infected. This is also essential reading for health care workers and people who handle food i.e. all of us.
Listeriosis is defined as a disease which is caused by consuming food which his infected Listeria. Listeriosis is a serious infection and has caused public health problem in the United States recently. Now it is causing public health concerns in Canada. The bacteria (Listera) affects mainly the weaker members of society i.e. the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. However, persons without these risk factors can sometimes become infected by more virulent strains of the bacteria. One can prevent from being infected by following the following basic steps.
Here is a news item from Canada, “A nationwide outbreak of listeriosis has killed one person and sickened at least 16 others, officials confirmed Wednesday as one of Canada's largest meat packers temporarily shut down a Toronto plant and recalled nearly two dozen packaged, ready-to-eat meat products”.
Preventing Listeria infections - Applies to the General Public
Picture: Image of the bacteria which causes Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes).
All raw food from animal sources, mainly animal meats and eggs, must be cooked thoroughly. Commonly consumed meats in Canada are beef, pork and poultry.
All vegetables must be cleaned thoroughly before consuming or converting into edible forms like salads
All uncooked meats should be separate from vegetables and from cooked foods which are ready to eaten. This is one of the most commonly neglected areas and hence the most common cause of infections.
Do not consume unpasteurized or unboiled milk or foods made from unpasteurized and unboiled milk
Always wash kitchen utensils (knives, food containers and cutting boards) after working with uncooked foods (both meats and vegetables)
Do not keep or store perishable and ready-to-eat foods. Eat these upon opening and discard leftovers.
Preventing Listeria infections - Applies to Persons who are at high risk. (pregnant women, elderly persons, newborns, persons with weakened immune systems, HIV positive patients, patients with malignant disorders, and patients with chronic disorders)
It is recommended that you do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats. If you have to eat these they must be reheated until they are steaming hot.
Refrain from touching or using hot dog packages. Avoid contamination with fluid from hot dog packages on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces. Always wash hands after handling suspected contaminated foods. These are hot dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats.
Refrain from eating soft cheeses. Soft cheeses eaten in Canada are feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco, and Panela. These cheeses may be consumed if they have labels indicating that they are made from pasteurized milk.
Avoid refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads. Canned or shelf-stable pâtés and meat spreads may be eaten because these are pasteurized when prepared.
Avoid refrigerated and smoked seafood which is not cooked. Foods which are cooked can be eaten e.g. casseroles.
Finally avoid refrigerated seafood like salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna and mackerel. These are often labelled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky."
Canned seafood and shelf-stable smoked seafood can be eaten safely
Signs and Symptoms of Listerosis.
There is no need to panic if you end up consuming one of these items. The statistical probability of becoming infected is still small because public health authorities are aware of this problem. However, if you have consumed any of these foods and then develop one or more of the following signs and symptoms it will be prudent to seek medical help.
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The disease, Listeriosis primary affects pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Common signs and symptoms are very general and are similar to the signs and symptoms caused by other infections. Seek medical advice if you suspect you have listeriosis. In Canada medical care is free of charge unless you an illegal immigrant.
Fever: This is a rise in the body's temperature. A temperature of above 38 degrees on the centigrade scale would indicate a fever. If you wish to learn how to take a person's temperature please see my article here.
Muscle aches. These are usually similar to the muscle aches and body pains which one gets during a severe bought of influenza or fever associated with other infections.
Nausea with or without vomiting is commonly present during this infection. Make sure that your nausea and vomiting are not associated with pregnancy. For nausea associated with pregnancy visit this.
Diarrhoea is due to the irritation caused by the bacteria in the GI tract. Abdominal tenderness can be assessed by reading this article.
Please note that persons who are low risk will be symptomless. The incubation period for this disease is three weeks. Consequently, symptoms usually begin around the third week after infection.
If Listeria infection spreads to the central nervous system then the following symptoms will be noticeable.
Severe headaches associated with sensitivity to light
Stiff neck. This is called nucal (neck) rigidity in medical terminology
Delirium and confusion. Indicates the disease has progressed
Loss of balance. Occurs when the balance system is adversely affected.
Convulsions. Occur in late stages.
If you are looking after a patient with listeriosis please do not forget the standard steps in nursing. These can be read here.
More news about the outbreak in Canada can be read here.
