2017–18 South African listeriosis outbreak

2017–18 South African Listeriosis Outbreak

The 2017–18 South African listeriosis outbreak was a significant public health crisis that occurred in South Africa, resulting in the largest outbreak of listeriosis ever recorded globally. The outbreak was officially declared by the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in December 2017 and was linked to a specific strain of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.

Background

Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis.

Outbreak Details

The outbreak in South Africa was traced back to a contaminated food product known as "polony," a type of processed meat similar to bologna sausage. The source of the outbreak was identified as a production facility owned by Enterprise Foods, a subsidiary of Tiger Brands, located in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.

The outbreak resulted in over 1,060 confirmed cases and at least 216 deaths, making it the deadliest outbreak of listeriosis recorded to date. The majority of cases were reported in Gauteng Province, which includes the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Response and Control Measures

Upon identifying the source of the outbreak, the South African government, along with the NICD, implemented several control measures to contain the spread of the disease. These measures included:

• A nationwide recall of all products from the affected production facility.
• Public health advisories warning against the consumption of certain processed meats.
• Increased surveillance and testing of food products for Listeria contamination.

The outbreak was officially declared over in September 2018, following a significant decline in the number of new cases reported.

Impact

The outbreak had a profound impact on the South African food industry, leading to increased scrutiny of food safety practices and regulations. It also highlighted the need for improved public health infrastructure and response capabilities to manage such outbreaks effectively.

Lessons Learned

The 2017–18 South African listeriosis outbreak underscored the importance of:

• Rapid identification and response to foodborne illness outbreaks.
• Strengthening food safety regulations and enforcement.
• Enhancing public awareness and education on food safety practices.

Also see

• Listeriosis
• Foodborne illness
• Public health
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases