First two cases confirmed, one in Aspen Health Region

Alberta health officials have confirmed that two cases of listeriosis in the province are linked to a nation-wide outbreak caused by tainted Maple Leaf meat products.

Twelve deaths across Canada have been positively linked to the outbreak, and 38 cases of the illness have been reported since Maple Leaf began recalling all 220 of its products Aug. 17 when listeria was found in its Toronto factory.

A 36-year-old woman from Grande Prairie died Aug. 14 in hospital after contracting the strain. It’s been confirmed as well that a second individual, living here in the Aspen Health Region, is infected with listeriosis. No further information about that individual is being made available due to privacy restrictions. Details about the patient in Grande Prairie were made public by the woman’s mother.

A total of nine cases of listeriosis have been reported in Alberta in 2008, said Shannon Haggarty, spokesperson for Alberta Health and Wellness. Those include the two confirmed linked cases, as well as two cases which occurred before the June 1 window, four which were determined to not be tied to the recall, and one which is awaiting test results. 

“Because of the incubation time for this, we may see more cases,” Haggarty said. Though it’s not unusual for people to fall ill from listeriosis, these cases have garnered attention because of the nation-wide outbreak and the recall of the tainted products. “We have cases of this every year and no one would really know about it.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working to inform and ensure retailers remove the recalled products from their stores. “My understanding of that is that most people have already pulled the products off the shelf,” Haggarty said. 

Listeriosis is not a concern for most people, though it can lead to serious complications in the elderly, newborns, pregnant woman and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, headache and a stiff neck.

Those who may be concerned they’ve consumed recalled products can’t do anything but wait for symptoms to appear, at which time they should seek medical attention. 

Food infected with listeria does not necessarily look like it has gone bad or smell spoiled. For a full list of recalled items visit www.inspection.gc.ca.