5 dead, 5 sick in Listeria outbreak: French labs confirm source as smoked pork in Macedonia

Two prominent French reference laboratories confirmed the source of Listeria outbreak here was the smoked pork product “Extra Mein” made by a Kumanovo-based company, Macedonian health minister said on Friday.

EkstraMein1The test results from Paris-based Louis Pasteur Institute and Anses confirmed the primary findings of the source explored by Macedonian institutions. And the results will be submitted to Macedonian Public Prosecutor’s Office where the case has already been filed.

Ten patients were infected with Listeria bacteria in July and August in Macedonia, five of whom died.