The authors would like to apologize to both the patient and her health care providers for any distress our actions may have caused. We apologize for publishing a case report in which the person described recognized herself, and for inadvertently presenting inaccurate information on the counseling received by the case.
The description of the case was meant to highlight recent cases of listeriosis in pregnancy in BC, and increase the level of awareness of listeriosis, emphasizing the adverse consequences of exposure to high-risk foods. The risk of listeriosis in pregnancy can be minimized if certain precautions are taken. Pregnant women should be aware that, due to its high moisture content, the consumption of any soft cheese, whether pasteurized or not, can be a risk for listeriosis. Listeria are found in the environment throughout the world. Travelers should follow the same precautions they do at home, including washing raw produce with treated water and consuming produce that has been cooked or peeled. The purpose of the article was to remind health care providers of the precautions that can be used to counsel their pregnant clients to minimize the risk of infection.
BCCDC and its partners are committed to ensuring client confidentiality and continuous quality improvement. We are currently in the process of reviewing the situation and will take steps to prevent a recurrence.
—Eleni Galanis, MD
—Marsha Taylor, MSc
—Olga Bitzikos, BASc
The BCMJ is also working on implementing a patient consent process to prevent this in the future.—ED