36 dead amid outbreak of food borne disease

"We've been able to trace at least 70 of the patients. However 36 have perished," said Motsoaledi.

Motsoaledi said while there is an outbreak of the disease, there is no need to panic at it could be treated with antibiotics.

Listeria can be found in food products such as meat, all animal products, fruit and vegetables. 

Motsaoledi said the bacteria could also be found in four possible sources. 

"Farms, food at the processing plant, retail facilities and food prepared at home, are all possible sources of where the disease could have emanated from." 

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Motsoaledi called for a closer to eye to be kept on farms and at food processing plants. 

By the end of November, the Department of Health has reported over 500 cases of the disease. 

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"Out of the 557 cases, 34% of the cases were from private health facilities while 66% from public health facilities," said Motsoaledi.

Gauteng, the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal are the worst-hit provinces, with 82% of reported cases.

New-born babies have a higher risk of developing Listeria, followed by people between the ages of 15 and 45. 

The Department of Health has launched an investigation to locate the source of the disease.