TORONTO, Aug. 22 /CNW/ - Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of
Health reported today that two additional deaths have been confirmed to be
directly caused by the listeriosis outbreak. This brings the total number of
deaths to three.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Total cases No. confirmed deaths
as of No. directly related to No. cases under
Aug. 22, 2008 confirmed cases outbreak investigation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 13 3 17
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Outbreak associated cases of Listeriosis have also been reported in
British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. Ontario is working with the Public
Health Agency of Canada and the other provinces in the investigation.
QUOTES
"We will continue to monitor the situation very closely," said
Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "I would like to remind
the public, especially those at high risk for Listeriosis, such as the
elderly, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems, to avoid consuming
any meats connected with the CFIA recall. If in doubt - throw it out."QUICK FACTS
- Listeriosis is a reportable disease under Ontario Regulation 569 of
the Health Protection and Promotion Act;
- The incubation period for Listeriosis is from three to seventy days
with an average incubation period of three weeks.LEARN MORE
For an up-to-date list on this recall and other CFIA consumer food
recalls
(http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/recaltoce.shtml) online
Find out more about Listeriosis
(http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/disease/listeria.html) online
Contact your local public health unit
(http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html).
For public inquires call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only)-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ontario.ca/health-news
Disponible en français
For further information: Media Contacts: Mark Nesbitt, Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197
