A national Listeria outbreak linked to Silk® and Great Value plant-based beverages has been declared by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Alberta has one case; Canada has 18 cases, 13 of which resulted in hospitalization and 2 in death.
Risk factors
Individuals most at risk for serious infection are:
- Neonates
- People over 60 years of age
- Those who are immunosuppressed
- Pregnant people
Symptoms
Depending on the type of infection, onset can be anywhere from a few hours to 4-12 weeks. Following are symptoms broken down by infection type:
- Acute Self-Limited Febrile Gastroenteritis: Fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain. Usually resolves without treatment.
- Invasive Listeriosis (septicemia): Fever and chills (with or without prior gastrointestinal symptoms)
- Invasive Listeriosis (meningoencephalitis): Fever and change in mental status, with or without meningitis (headache, neck stiffness).
- Infections in pregnancy: Fever, myalgia, abdominal or back pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (usually in third trimester)
Recommended approach to those exposed to recalled products
- Asymptomatic: No testing; counsel on symptoms.
- Symptomatic with risk factors: Blood cultures, possible stool testing, consider empiric treatment.
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