Inmates in seven provincial correctional institutions may have been exposed to Listeria

    TORONTO, Nov. 22 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    Dr. David Williams, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, is alerting
individuals who were incarcerated in seven provincial correctional
institutions between November 13 and 16, 2008 of a possible exposure to
Listeria monocytogenes.
    On November 21, 2008, the operator of a correctional services food
production facility in Milton informed the Halton Region Health Department
that food and environmental samples taken during routine surveillance at the
facility had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
    The tests relate to samples taken from food that may have been consumed
between November 13 and November 16, 2008.
    As a result of the positive tests, the Halton Region Health Department
issued an order to the operator, Eurest Dining Services, to cease production
and distribution of food from the facility and to immediately prepare and
implement a plan to sanitize the plant and equipment.
    The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services took immediate
action and has stopped serving any of the food from the production facility.
    There are no reported cases of listeriosis. Ministry of Community Safety
and Correctional Services health care providers have increased surveillance
and are monitoring inmates and staff for symptoms associated with listeriosis.
    Inmates and staff have been notified of the signs and symptoms of
listeriosis and have been advised to notify correctional officials if they
have any concerns.
    Some individuals who were incarcerated at these institutions when the
food was served are now in the community. Dr. Williams is asking health care
providers to be on alert for individuals linked with these institutions who
may present with symptoms of listeriosis. If symptoms are present further
testing should be conducted.
    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Halton Region Health
Department and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are investigating the
source of the contamination with the assistance of the Ministry of Community
Safety and Correctional Services.

    QUOTES

    "Although there have been no cases, I am asking individuals who were
present at these seven correctional institutions between the dates of November
13 and 16, 2008 to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of
listeriosis," said Dr. David Williams, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.
 "There is no risk to the general public, and we are taking every possible
step to notify individuals who may have been affected."

    QUICK FACTS

    -  The Milton food production facility provides 9,000 meals per day to
       approximately 4,500 inmates.
    -  Seven of the province's 31 correctional institutions are served by the
       Milton facility:
         -  Maplehurst Correctional Centre - Milton
         -  Vanier Centre for Women - Milton
         -  Central North Correctional Centre - Penetanguishene
         -  Central East Correctional Centre - Lindsay
         -  Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre - Ottawa
         -  St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre -
            Brockville
         -  Brockville Jail - Brockville
    -  Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, cramps, diarrhea,
       severe headache, constipation or fever.
    -  Individuals most at risk are the elderly, pregnant women and newborn
       children, and people with weakened immune systems.

    LEARN MORE

    Find out more about listeria
    (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/disease/listeria.html).

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For further information: Andrew Morrison, Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Stuart McGetrick, Ministry of Community Safety
and Correctional Services, Office: (416) 325-9686, Cell: (416) 427-4975