Public health officials in Manitoba are investigating the death of a baby related to a case of listeriosis.

Officials did not release information on the exact age of the child, but described the case as involving "an infant with a suspected underlying medical condition."

The child lived in the Burntwood health region, which includes most of Manitoba north of the 53rd parallel.

Further lab testing and investigation are underway to determine if the case involves the strain found in a deadly outbreak that spurred Maple Leaf to recall virtually all of the products produced at a Toronto plant.

This is the fourth case of listeriosis reported in Manitoba in 2008. One other case, reported in August in a man in his 60s in western Manitoba, has been linked to the current national outbreak.

On average, four cases of listeriosis are reported in Manitoba each year.

17 deaths linked to outbreak

Seventeen deaths across the country have been linked to a strain of bacteria traced to the Toronto Maple Leaf plant: 14 in Ontario, and one each in British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Maple Leaf Foods have recalled approximately 200 retail meat products produced before Aug. 20, 2008, at the Toronto facility. The code 97B appears before the best-before or packaged-on dates on the meat's packaging.

Listeria monocytogenes can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables and meats, and processed foods including deli meats and hot dogs. Ingesting the bacteria can cause serious illness including brain and blood infections that can lead to death.

Some of the flu-like symptoms of listeriosis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, stiff neck and fever.

The elderly, pregnant women, infants and people with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable.

People who fear they may have eaten recalled meat do not need to seek medical attention if they feel well. Symptoms usually appear within three to 21 days, but may not appear until 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics.