Health Minister Doctor Aaron Motsoaledi has announced an outbreak of a food borne disease, called Listeriosis in South Africa.
Five hundred and fifty cases have been reported between January and November this year.
Total of 36 people have been confirmed dead.
The disease is caused by a bacterium, which is widely distributed in nature and can be found in soil, water and vegetation.
Motsoaledi says animal products and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can be contaminated from these sources.
He has urged the public to keep clean and lookout for symptoms while they are still investigating the source.
“Infection with listeria may result in the following three conditions: .Firstly Flu like illness with diarhoea including fever, general body pains, vomiting and weakness, and infection of the blood stream which is called septceamia. Thirdly Meningoencephalitis (infection of the brain). Although anyone can get Listeriosis, those at high risk of developing severe disease include newsborns, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity,” says Motsoaledi.
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