EON

Listeriosis Cases Expected To Continue To Mount

Ottawa- The current number of incoming meat contamination related Listeriosis cases in Canada is expected to grow sharply.

There have been 21 confirmed cases of listeriosis from food that is contaminated from listeria monocytogenes bacteria, and about 30 other cases of sickness are believed to be related according to Canada health Minister Tony Clement.

Toronto Meat Company Maple Leaf Foods began a meat recall last week that will be widely expanded; they sold meat that is contaminated with the bacteria to institutions throughout Canada.

Places such as hospitals, nursing home, medical facilities, and restaurants that included at least one popular Canadian McDonalds in the list of end user clients.

The cases have been confirmed in Saskatchewan, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, and there are fears that a larger number of people are actually sick from this meat contamination than are coming forward.

This particular bacteria, the listeria monocytogenes, is one that has a long incubation period that concerns health officials, because of this they are concerned that many more people will become ill.

“We are expecting the number of confirmed and suspected cases to increase as the investigation continues, and that our federal, territorial and provincial partners will continue to work with us to deal as effectively as we can with this health crisis.” Said Minister Tony Clement.

Four deaths out of the 21 confirmed cases have been announced, so the threat for serious injury and death is very real and dangerous.