Kelowna News

Interior Health is reporting a second outbreak of Listeriosis at Kelowna General Hospital.

Health officials say samples are being sent to the National Lab in Winnipeg to determine if the strain is the same strain linked to Maple Leaf Food products back in the summer.

“We have reviewed the patient’s history, and she has not consumed deli meat while in hospital, however she did consume deli meats this summer in the community, during the time that the eventual recalled product was still on shelves,” says Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health.

Interior Health says the woman is over the age of 65. She has been in KGH for some time with an existing medical condition.

Parker says Interior Health sees one or two cases of Listeriosis infection each year.

He says until samples are tested, he won't know whether the latest case is linked to the summer outbreak.

In early September, Interior Health confirmed an Okanagan senior died as a result of the Listeriosis virus.

Dr. Parker reminds people that Listeria monocytogenes is common in the environment, and most people exposed to the bacteria will not get sick.

Those most at risk for developing infection are seniors and the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

You can avoid the risk of Listeriosis by:

• Cooking meat thoroughly
  
• Washing raw vegetables before eating
  
• Keeping uncooked meats separate from vegetables and other ready-to-eat foods
  
• Avoiding unpasteurized milk
  
• Washing hands, food surfaces, cutting boards and knives thoroughly.

Link: Listeria confirmation Link: Listeriosis kills local woman