HEALTH INFORMATION

Listeriosis cases in Alberta

Listeria monocytogenes (commonly called Listeria) is a type of bacterium often found in food and elsewhere in nature. It can cause a rare but serious disease called Listeriosis.

Cases of Listeriosis are reported to Alberta Health and Wellness and recent cases have been investigated to determine if there is a link to the national outbreak.

• This page will be updated as new cases are reported and laboratory test results are received.

Cases for 2008

• Listeriosis cases* as of September 23: 11
  • Of these eleven cases, two occurred before the defined outbreak start time of June 1, and nine cases have occurred since June 1.
• Cases investigated for link to national recall: nine (including two deaths).
  • Results confirmed:
    • Seven cases (including one death) not linked to national outbreak,
    • Two cases (including one death) linked to national outbreak;
  • Results pending: none (0).

*Note: Case numbers on this site may vary from other organizations because of differences in reporting timelines.

Listeriosis case summary for previous years

Case counts in Alberta for the previous five years are:

• 2007 – 11 cases
• 2006 – 7 cases
• 2005 – 7 cases
• 2004 – 5 cases
• 2003 – 10 cases

More information

• Listeria and Food Safety – Health Canada
• Canada Food Inspection Agency – Listeria Investigation and Recall 2008
  • List of Recalled Products

Information bulletins

• August 30, 2008 – Alberta confirms first cases of Listeriosis with links to outbreak
• August 26, 2008 – Alberta investigates recent cases of Listeriosis in light of meat recall