The Public Health Agency of Canada has reported six additional cases of listeriosis linked to a national recall of plant-based milk beverages.
A total of 18 cases have now been confirmed in four provinces, with 13 hospitalizations and two previously reported deaths, according to the agency.
Ontario had 12 cases, Quebec had four, and Alberta and Nova Scotia each had one case.
Public health officials noted that those affected range in age from seven to 89, with the majority being over 50 and female.
The illness caused by Listeria bacteria has been tied to a recall of Silk brand almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, oat milk, as well as Great Value brand almond milk.
Most of the affected products have best-before dates up to and including Oct. 4.
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The Ontario health ministry confirmed earlier this month that two people in the province died amid the listeriosis outbreak, but did not provide any details.
Health experts have stated that Listeria can cause illness up to two months after consuming contaminated products, making it difficult to quickly identify the source of contamination.
