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A total of 915 listeriosis cases have been reported

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A total of 915 listeriosis cases have been reported to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).  On Thursday, it confirmed that the outbreak had already claimed 172 lives, with twelve more deaths since Monday.

At 541, Gauteng accounts for the highest number of reported cases, followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Experts however say the outbreak has seemingly stabilised.  Authorities are still carrying out spot checks and high risks groups include ,those with a compromised immune system, the elderly, pregnant women and babies.

The bacteria is also predominantly found in fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood and poultry.

People are still urged to cook food thoroughly and wash them regularly.

The minister of health will address the media next week on the increase in deaths.

National Institute of Communicable Diseases  Juno Thomas says: “The outbreak is certainly still on-going and we haven’t seen the numbers on a weekly basis going down as yet, so I think there’s still reason to be very weary and it’s very important for everyone in the country to practice safe food hygiene.”

“To make sure that they know about and put into practice the World Health Organization’s (WHO) five keys to safer food as well as if they’re high risk individuals to avoid those high risk foods.”

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