Listeria outbreak from plant-based drinks grows to 18 infections, but no new deaths

A Listeria outbreak linked to plant-based drinks has grown to 18 known infections and more than a dozen hospitalizations, though no additional deaths have been reported, say federal health officials.

On Tuesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced the number of cases has hit 12 in Ontario, four in Quebec, one in Alberta and one in Nova Scotia. 

So far 13 people have been hospitalized and two individuals in Ontario have died — a death tally that hasn't gone up since a prior update in mid-July.

PHAC's "ongoing" outbreak investigation found 72 per cent of cases were female and 67 per cent were aged 50 or older, with the ages of all those infected ranging from seven to 89.

"More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials," PHAC said. That illness reporting period is between nine and 29 days.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled certain Silk and Great Value brands of oat, almond and coconut refrigerated beverages earlier this month over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

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It's a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a rare but serious illness with symptoms that may start suddenly and include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation or fever. 

In some cases, particularly in newborns and older adults, infection can lead to dangerous brain inflammation, blood infections, or death.

PHAC continues to recommend checking for — and throwing out — any recalled products in your home.