The case has not been linked to the current outbreak caused by recalled food items from Maple Leaf Foods. PEI Public Health officials are continuing their investigation and further tests will take place at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg to determine the bacterial strain. It will take about seven to ten days to find out whether or not this is the same bacterial strain of Listeria that resulted in the recall of food items from Maple Leaf Foods.

"This is an isolated case, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and we are on alert for any further possible cases," says Dr. Mitch Zelman, Deputy Chief Health Officer. "The Department of Health has been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada since the outbreak started and we have been notifying and inspecting hospitals, long term care facilities, schools, child care centres and the hospitality industry to make sure the recalled products are removed from these facilities."

Listeriosis is not a contagious illness. A person gets Listeriosis from eating or coming in contact with food that is contaminated with listeria bacteria. The risk to the general public at this time has been reduced as stores have been advised to pull the recalled products from store shelves.

"I would like to remind the public to be vigilant about products on the recall list and to go through your fridges and freezers to remove and throw out any of these food items, " said Dr. Zelman. "The products to be discarded are stamped with EST 97B on the label".

Listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes commonly referred to as Listeria. Symptoms include persistent fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, cramps, muscle aches (especially in the back), diarrhea and/or stiff neck. Listeriosis is of concern particularly to the very young, the elderly, pregnant women and to persons with poor immune systems. Illness from Listeria usually occurs from 2 to 30 days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria, but can occur up to 90 days later.

A blood test is needed to diagnose Listeriosis and is most reliable when it is done at the time a person has symptoms. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics. There is no vaccine to prevent Listeriosis.

For a full list of recalled products and for further information on Listeriosis, visit the Department of Health website at: www.gov.pe.ca/health/index.php3 and click on the public health alerts section.