Ontario Listeria outbreak
Please be aware that the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) is closely monitoring an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes reported in Ontario this past week, linked to Silk® and Great Value brand refrigerated, plant-based milk products. A voluntary recall of specific Silk® and Great Value brand products has been initiated.
As of July 8, 2024, there have been nine confirmed cases associated with the outbreak identified in Ontario, including five hospitalizations, with the majority of cases occurring since June 2024. It is possible that additional cases related to this outbreak may continue to occur over the coming weeks.
The incubation period for Listeriosis can be from three days up to three weeks; in some cases, symptoms can appear 70 days after exposure. Listeriosis has been linked to severe morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations including newborns, older adults, pregnant people, and persons whose immune systems are compromised.
Listeriosis usually manifests as mild flu-like illness. Symptoms may start suddenly and include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Muscle aches
More severe cases may result in meningitis and blood infection, and symptoms could include:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Headache
- Loss of balance
Health care providers are encouraged to evaluate potential risk of Listeriosis if patients are presenting with related symptoms and have consumed affected products.
Stool cultures are not recommended in asymptomatic patients who have consumed a recalled product. These patients should be counselled regarding potential symptoms of gastroenteritis and invasive Listeriosis.
For patients with gastroenteritis who have consumed a product on recall, stool cultures may be helpful for the diagnosis of alternative bacterial causes of infection.
For symptomatic individuals with suspected invasive Listeriosis, stool cultures and serology are of limited clinical utility. If invasive listeriosis is suspected based on systemic involvement (e.g. septicemia, meningitis), sterile site cultures, such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, are recommended.
For further information regarding diagnostic testing for Listeria monocytogenes please refer to Public Health Ontario's Guidance Document.
Any questions related to this outbreak can be directed to IDPP@Ontario.ca
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