Canada Listeria Numbers Tapering Down

The Goderich Signal Star reports that as of Sept. 7, the number of confirmed cases of Listeriosis in Canada reached 39; with 29 confirmed and ten under investigation. Fifteen people have died as of Monday, with four of those deaths undetermined as to whether or not Listeriosis was responsible.

Maple Leaf, the company who produces Sure Slice – the product that originally tipped off health officials – has voluntarily recalled more than 220 of their products, with cheeses and sliced mushrooms being added to the list.

Health unit staffers checked supermarkets, convenience stores, kids’ camps and daycares, as well as hospitals and retirement homes. While they did find some products fitting the recall, none were on sale to the public, and most were awaiting pickup for destruction. The rest were destroyed by health unit staff.

While the average age of confirmed cases is 77, Listeria can also cause serious illness and death in pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.