Toronto health officials report investigating several listeriosis cases linked to deli sandwiches sold at Druxy’s restaurant located in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Listeria bacteria
Listeria monocytogenes/CDC

Three cases have been reported. This has prompted health officials to advise patrons of the restaurant from January 1 to March 12, 2018 to watch for signs and symptoms of Listeria infection and seek medical attention if they have symptoms.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has 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. The restaurant is currently closed and the owner is cooperating with TPH to ensure there is no further risk to the public.

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramps. Severe symptoms include headache, 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. Symptoms usually occur within three weeks of eating foods contaminated with Listeria. There is no vaccine to prevent the Listeria infection, however it is treated with antibiotics. Healthy people may only experience mild symptoms and usually recover completely. Individuals without symptoms do not need to be tested or treated.

Listeria infection is a serious but rare illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. 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.