A rise in listeriosis infections in New South Wales has prompted the state’s health department to issue an urgent warning.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria found in food that causes severe illness or even death in vulnerable people, including those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or over 65 years old.
NSW Health has recorded 25 cases since the start of the year.
“There are a range of foods that present very real risks to people who are older, pregnant or have underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart, liver, or kidney disease, or who are on medications such as corticosteroids which impact immune systems,” Keira Glasgow, director of NSW Health’s One Health branch said.
“That’s why NSW Health is reminding these vulnerable people to be aware of the foods that present these risks. It’s vital these people choose safer options at all times.”
Listeria thrives in cold environments and can survive refrigeration.
Symptoms begin with a fever and muscle aches.
The disease can spread to the blood or central nervous system in high-risk individuals very quickly, causing sudden fevers, intense headaches, a stiff neck, confusion or delirium, convulsions, loss of balance or a coma, according to NSW Health.
High-risk and vulnerable individuals should avoid the following foods, under advice from NSW Health.
- Cold-cut meats, freshly sliced or packaged
- Pre-cooked chilled chicken
- Smoked salmon and other types of smoked seafood
- Raw or cold-cooked seafood, such as ready-to-eat prawns
- Any kind of pre-cut fruit, including pre-packaged salads, buffets or salad bars
- Rockmelon
- Any kind of pre-packaged salad, including coleslaw
- frozen vegetables, unless they have been cooked
- Pate or raw meat spreads
- unpasteurised milk or dairy products
- All types of refrigerated soft cheese, including brie, camembert, ricotta, or blue-vein (unless it is cooked first and eaten hot)
- soft serve ice cream
- Any type of sprouted seed
(9 NEWS)
