NO risk of Listeria spread in Ratnapura - DHS

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan health authorities claimed there is no risk of Listeria (Listeriosis) spreading across the Ratnapura District.

Director of Health Services for the Ratnapura District Dr. Shrini Alahapperuma told News 1st that a woman who had fallen ill had died at the Ratnapura General Hospital and thereafter, health officials had paid special attention to the cause of death.

It was reported that the deceased had fallen ill after returning from a pilgrimage to Adam's Peak.

Listeriosis is an infection, usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs and symptoms of Listeria infection vary depending on the person infected and the part of the body affected.

Symptoms typically include:

Fever
Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue
Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Loss of balance
Seizures

Director of Health Services for the Ratnapura District said that all food stalls located along the path leading to Adam's Peak will be subject to inspection.

She said the public should NOT unnecessarily fear over this disease.