The Montreal Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) issued a call for vigilance to medical personnel in the metropolis on Tuesday, following the listeriosis outbreak in Canada that led to a recall of plant-based drinks earlier this month.
“Given the risk of listeriosis in the Montreal population in connection with this situation, we ask clinicians to maintain a high degree of suspicion for any person presenting symptoms compatible with an invasive infection” of this disease, writes the DRSP of Montreal.
Severe listeriosis can affect the nervous system and symptoms include confusion, headache, neck stiffness and loss of balance. Symptoms can occur up to 70 days after exposure to the bacteria. Those most at risk of developing this form of the disease include the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.
To date, 12 cases of listeriosis have been reported in the country, including ten in Ontario, one in Quebec and one in Nova Scotia. The people fell ill between August 2023 and early July 2024, Ottawa said. Of the cases, two Canadians have died and nine have been hospitalized.
Earlier this month, Great Value brand almond milk was recalled. The same scenario for Silk brand almond, coconut, almond-coconut and oat milk beverages. Montreal Public Health emphasizes that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are “actively working with their industry partners to remove the affected products from the market.”
An investigation has been launched into the outbreak of the disease in the country.
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