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New Brunswick Listeria case related to outbreak confirmed by province

This photo taken Nov. 25, 2013 shows microbiologist Ashley Sabol extracting Listeria bacteria for genome sequencing in a foodborne disease outbreak lab at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
This photo taken Nov. 25, 2013 shows microbiologist Ashley Sabol extracting Listeria bacteria for genome sequencing in a foodborne disease outbreak lab at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. AP Photo/David Goldman

The New Brunswick government has confirmed it is investigating at least one case of a Listeria-related infection in the province that’s linked to an outbreak across eastern Canada.

The provincial health department is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada to investigate the source, but it has not been identified yet.

READ MORE: Dole Foods withdraws salad in Canada, U.S. in deadly listeria outbreak

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A government news release says pre-packaged leafy greens and salad kits are items of interest its investigation.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province’s acting chief medical officer of health, said pregnant women and their babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are among the groups with the highest risk of contracting a severe illness.

High-risk food items include uncooked meat and vegetables, unpasteurized milk and cheeses, ready-to-eat meats such as hot dogs or deli meats, and refrigerated smoked seafood and fish.

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Tips for minimizing the risk of food contamination include thoroughly cleaning all items before cooking or eating, sanitizing all surfaces that will come into contact with food and ensuring foods are fully cooked by using a clean thermometer to measure the temperature.

A complete list of food safety tips and more information about Listeriosis is available on the government’s website.

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