Update : Listeria monocytogenes outbreak

October 8, 2008 - The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to collaborate with provincial and local health authorities in affected provinces, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to investigate cases of Listeriosis with the same genetic fingerprint (strain).

For most people, the risk posed by listeria is very low. Healthy people who are exposed to listeria are rarely affected by the bacteria. However, there are certain people who are at higher risk for listeriosis – infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

People from these at-risk groups who may have eaten contaminated products and have experienced symptoms, such as persistent fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, should consult their health care provider.

We recommend that those at greater risk take precautionary measures when preparing food by avoiding raw, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and ensuring that raw vegetables are washed thoroughly before they are eaten.

Click on the document below to download the latest report.