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Namibia reports first listeriosis case after South African outbreak

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  • Namibia reports first listeriosis case after South African outbreak

    Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/afr...ican-outbreak/

    Namibia reports first listeriosis case after South African outbreak
    13 March 2018 - 19:32 By afp

    Namibia on Tuesday reported its first case of listeriosis since an outbreak in South Africa erupted at the beginning of last year, killing 183 people so far.

    A 41-year-old Namibian man was diagnosed with the disease on Monday and is being treated in a hospital in the capital Windhoek, Health Minister Bernard Haufiku said in a statement...

  • #2
    Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 11: 10 - 16 March 2018

    Listeriosis Namibia
    1
    Case
    0
    Deaths
    0%
    CFR

    EVENT DESCRIPTION

    On 13 March 2018, the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services
    reported a confirmed case of listeriosis in Tsumeb town in Oshikoto
    Region in the northern part of the country. The case, a 41-year-old man
    with a known chronic co-morbidity, was admitted to a private hospital in
    Windhoek on 5 March 2018. He had travelled from Tsumeb to Windhoek
    on 4 March 2018. On 12 March 2018, abdominal fluid bacterial culture
    isolated Listeria monocytogenes. The patient remains admitted in a
    stable clinical condition.

    Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the patient consumed
    meat products (Viennas) purchased from a local butchery in Tsumeb two
    weeks prior to onset of illness. In-depth investigation, including food
    consumption history, is being undertaken. Food samples are also being
    collected for testing, as well as interviews with the business owner of the
    stores involved to trace the origin of the meat product.

    PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

    On 13 March 2018, the Minister of Health held a press conference
    to announce the event and disseminate public health preventive
    messages to the public.

    Active surveillance has been intensified, including active search
    for additional cases. Close contacts (wife and two children) who
    consumed the same food are being examined. Detailed investigation
    into the potential source of infection is being conducted.

    The Ministry of Health is working closely with relevant sectors,
    including the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance (customs and
    excise department), to respond to this event.

    Health education has been provided to the immediate family
    members and to the general public.

    SITUATION INTERPRETATION

    The national authority in Namibia has reported a confirmed case of listeriosis in the country. Detailed investigations are ongoing to establish
    the source of this infection and any potential links between this case and the ongoing outbreak in South Africa. These investigations need to be
    methodical. It should be noted that the causative agent for listeriosis, Listeria monocytogenes, is widely distributed in nature (in soil, water,
    vegetation and faeces of some animals) and can easily contaminate foods.

    This fact does not negate the strong trade and travel links between countries in the region and South Africa.

    Countries in the region need to take adequate and judicious preventive measures, in line with provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and in keeping with recommended public health measures. In general, practising safe food handling and following the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food (Keep clean, Separate raw and cooked, Cook thoroughly, Keep food at safe temperatures, and Use safe water and raw materials) should be promoted widely. In particular, consumption of readyto-eat meat products such as sausages, hams, pat?s and meat spreads; cold-smoked seafood (such as smoked salmon); and dairy products made of unpasteurized milk should be discouraged.

    http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/1...-101632018.pdf

    http://www.afro.who.int/publications...-16-march-2018
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

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