As of 03 April 2018, a total of 999 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases has been reported to NICD since 01 January 2017 (Figure 1). Where age was reported (n=973), ages range from birth to 93 years (median 18 years) and 42% (412/973) are neonates aged ≤28 days (Figure 2). Of neonatal cases, 96%(396/412) had early-onset disease (birth to ≤6 days). Females account for 56% (542/967) of cases where gender is reported. Most cases have been reported from Gauteng Province (59%, 586/999) followed by Western Cape (12%, 123/999) and KwaZulu-Natal (7%, 72/999) provinces (Figure 3). Cases have been diagnosed in both public (64%, 644/999) and private (36%, 355/999) healthcare sectors.Listeria monocytogenes was most commonly isolated/detected on blood culture (72%, 723/999), followed by CSF (21%, 211/999). Final outcome data is available for 69% (689/999) of cases, of which 28% (191/689) died.
A total of 547 clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates have undergone whole genome sequencing since 01 January 2017. Of these, 92% (502/547) are the sequence type 6 (ST6) outbreak strain.
Listeria: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Listeria outbreaks. The Listeria lawyers of Marler Clarkhave represented thousands of victims of Listeria and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our Listeria lawyers have litigated Listeria cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of foods, such as deli meat, cantaloupe, cheese, celery and milk.
If you or a family member became ill with a Listeriainfection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Listeria attorneys for a free case evaluation.