Ontario, one in B.C. and one in Alberta are attributed to the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. They said that they are investigating other six deaths to determine the presence of this deadly bacterium. The agency told that there are 33 confirmed cases and 25 suspected cases of listeriosis where people have fallen ill.

Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health said, "Listeriosis poses a very low risk to the general population since healthy people rarely become ill when exposed to the bacteria." He added that pregnant women, the very old, the very young and those with weakened immune systems are at maximum risk. Infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

Intake of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bateria can trigger listeriosis, a food-borne illness, which can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Under the possible threat of presence of this deadly virus, companies have recalled various processed food products.

Maple Leaf Foods has recalled more than 200 products. It began a recall of meat products after listeria, a potentially fatal bacterium, was found in its Toronto plant. The company has assured people that all infected food products have been recalled.