Downtown Toronto restaurant linked to recent Listeria outbreak

Sep 28 2018, 10:49 pm

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is currently investigating a Listeria infection in a person who consumed food at a downtown restaurant.

According to TPH, the infected individual consumed food sold at the Druxy’s restaurant located in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at 610 University Avenue.

Any individuals who ate non-prepackaged food such as hot and cold deli sandwiches at this restaurant from August 9 to September 26, 2018, are asked to watch for signs and symptoms of a Listeria infection and seek medical attention if they show signs of the disease.

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramps, while severe symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and can develop suddenly in those with a weak immune system because of a medical treatment or a medical illness, and the elderly.

TPH says symptoms usually occur within three weeks of eating foods contaminated with Listeria and there is no vaccine to prevent the infection, however, it is treated with antibiotics.

Healthy people may only experience mild symptoms and usually recover completely, while individuals without symptoms do not need to be tested or treated.

Common foods contaminated with this bacteria include deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. People most at risk of developing serious illness are those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and pregnant women.

TPH continues to investigate this outbreak and as part of this process, TPH staff have completed an extensive risk assessment, collected samples of the surfaces and food for testing, and ordered a thorough cleaning of the restaurant and the restaurant equipment.

An alert has been issued to Toronto hospitals, long-term care facilities and doctors’ offices to ensure they are aware of the matter, and the restaurant is currently closed and the owner is cooperating with TPH to ensure there is no further risk to the public.

See also
Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT