The latest foodborne illness figures and examples of outbreaks have been shared in South Africa.
The GERMS-SA 2023 annual review was compiled by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Reporting of all cases of category 1 diseases in the Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMC) platform by healthcare workers and laboratories
Continue Reading South African illness data shows outbreaks often not investigated
South African officials have named the chemical behind the deaths of six children.
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said the children from Naledi, Soweto, died of Terbufos ingestion. Terbufos is a chemical used in organophosphate insecticides to control insects and pests on some crops.
Those affected believe they fell sick
Continue Reading Chemical linked to fatal poisoning in South Africa revealed
Authorities in South Africa believe a chemical agent may be to blame for recent cases of illness in the country.
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said a search is underway for the agent causing sickness. At least five schoolchildren are known to have died.
An ongoing investigation involves the National
Continue Reading South African authorities search for source of food poisoning
The real burden of foodborne disease and outbreaks in South Africa is not clear, according to a specialist from the country’s public health institute.
Juno Thomas, from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), said there were a lot of unknowns about food and waterborne disease in the country.
“The
Continue Reading Expert shares insights into outbreak trends in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG — The Mathole family’s joy at expecting their first baby almost turned to tragedy with a month and a half in hospital when their child was infected with listeriosis.
Onkarabile Olerato Mathole was expected in December 2017 but ended up being born in October. He
Continue Reading Parents describe their baby’s ongoing treatment and their fears for his future
JOHANNESBURG — Lesiba Thomas Mogale believes his niece may not even know her father was one of the victims in the largest ever recorded Listeria outbreak.
Godfrey Mogale, 45, died in June 2017 and was casualty number 29 in the outbreak between Jan. 1, 2017, and
Continue Reading Uncertainty after the outbreak — ‘My niece may not know her father has died’
The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated South Africa after the largest Listeria outbreak in recorded history was declared over.
South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the outbreak had ended at a media briefing on Monday. The last known outbreak case of listeriosis was identified in the first week
Continue Reading WHO congratulates South Africa on end of massive Listeria outbreak
The largest ever detected Listeria outbreak in known history is over, according to officials in South Africa.
Between Jan. 1, 2017, and July 17, 2018, South Africa recorded 1,060 laboratory-confirmed cases of listeriosis, including 216 deaths.
The outbreak was linked to a ready-to-eat (RTE) processed meat plant owned by Tiger
Continue Reading South Africa declares end to largest ever Listeria outbreak
South Africa’s National Listeria Incident Management Team issued another of its periodic reports recently for the world’s largest listeriosis outbreak. It says there were no new cases of listeriosis during the week before publication on July 26.
Between Jan. 1, 2017, and July 17, 2018, South Africa recorded 1,060 laboratory-confirmed
Continue Reading South Africa works to eradicate listeria from its processed meat facilities
When the world’s worst rampage of listeriosis was at its peak, more than 30 confirmed cases were added to the outbreak weekly. After South Africa’s health officials identified the source and recalled the product from the market, the number of new confirmed cases was cut in half. And during the
Continue Reading South Africa sees listeriosis cases drop; ramps up prevention
