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
