Three deaths from Spain’s largest ever listeria outbreak
In Spain, three people have died as a result of a listeria outbreak that has infected more than 200 people.
The listeria bacterium causes an illness called listeriosis. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, fever and muscle aches, among others, and while the illness tends to go away on its own or can be treated with antibiotics, it can cause more serious symptoms, and even death, in some groups. It is normally caused by eating contaminated food, and this outbreak is no different; it is linked to a packaged pork producer in the south of Spain.
The plant in question is owned by Seville-based Magrudis and located in Andalusia. All products manufactured in the plant since 1 May have been recalled. The World Health Organization has warned, however, that due to the popularity of Magrudis’ products and their three-month shelf life, there will likely be further cases in the coming weeks. It is the country’s largest ever outbreak of listeria, WHO said.
WHO also expressed concerns that the outbreak may affect international travellers. “Given the high number of tourists to Spain, and Andalusia, in particular during the summer months, international travellers may have been exposed while the product was in the market,” the organisation said.
According to WHO, the outbreak is mainly affecting women and people aged over 65. However, it is still important that all travellers practice safety precautions such as hand washing and thoroughly cooking food. Why risk a holiday to Spain being ruined by sickness?