Test results pending in 4 Alberta listeriosis cases

Alberta doctors are waiting for test results from four of the eight cases of listeriosis reported in the province so far this year to see whether they're linked to the deadly outbreak connected to tainted deli meat.

Two people had listeriosis when they died in July and August in the Palliser and Peace County health regions, Dr. Gerry Predy, Alberta's acting chief medical officer, said Tuesday, but it's unclear how much of a factor the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes played in their deaths.

Predy said the department is waiting for the results of lab tests to determine whether the fatalities are linked to the outbreak that has killed 15 Canadians.

Maple Leaf Foods has recalled more than 200 meat products after one of its Toronto plants was found to be involved in the outbreak. Several other companies have also pulled ready-made sandwiches that contained Maple Leaf products from store shelves.

Of the eight Alberta cases, two occurred before June 1, the defined start of the outbreak, and test results ruled out two other cases as being linked to the tainted meat.

"It is important to note that Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found, and is not really a concern for most people," Predy said, though he pointed out it can lead to serious complications for seniors, newborns, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

"Anyone in those groups who develops symptoms such as fever, headache or stiff neck and may have eaten any of the recalled products should contact their physician or health-care provider," he said.