Six more patients have been identified in a Listeria outbreak in Canada that has killed two people. The outbreak has been linked to plant-based milk products.
The affected products, Silk brand and Great Value brand plant-based milk, have been recalled. Click here for a list of recalled products.
As of July 30, the outbreak included 18 patients, 13 of whom were hospitalized. Two of the patients have died. The patients are between 7 and 89 years old.
According to Public Health Canada, the sick people live in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta. The two deaths were reported in Ontario.
The patients became ill between August 2023 and July 2024. The investigation is ongoing and the outbreak is considered ongoing. Many of the sick people reported drinking the recalled plant-based drinks before becoming ill.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first reported the infections on July 9. It can take up to 70 days for symptoms of a Listeria infection to develop, so additional patients can be identified.
On July 8, the agency issued a recall notice for the affected products.
“I strongly advise the public, especially those at high risk of listeriosis, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems, to ensure they do not consume these recalled products,” said Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. .
The Ministry of Health is working closely with local public health authorities, Public Health Ontario, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall of the affected products.
Anyone who believes they have become ill from consuming any of the recalled products, most of which have expiration dates through October 4, should seek medical advice from their healthcare provider.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.
Also, anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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