A national investigation has been launched as health authorities investigate nine cases of listeria reported across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, which has understandably caused concern among Australians.

Listeriosis infections can potentially be fatal, especially to the elderly or those who are immunocompromised.

‘Affected patients have been treated in accordance with best practices,’ a spokesperson for Mater Hospital Brisbane confirmed.

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Listeria monocytogenes bacteria are present in many processed and pre-prepared foods and can cause Listeriosis.

These include ready-to-eat processed meats, soft cheeses, pre-prepared salads, raw vegetables, pate, and shellfish.

In high-risk people, this type of food poisoning is characterised by fever, muscle aches, confusion or delirium, convulsions, loss of balance or coma, and fever.

Authorities have warned the public about a recent listeria outbreak in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Credit: Shutterstock

According to Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard, those affected in Queensland were all over forty and had underlying health issues. However, it could take up to two months for the symptoms to manifest themselves.

It's also important to note that the number of reported listeria cases in Queensland isn't above average and is to be expected.

Dr Gerrard noted, 'Although listeria is uncommon, we do see a small number of cases every year.'

He also confirmed that authorities are currently investigating 'several potential food sources'.

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Although most healthy people aren’t severely affected after ingesting listeria, the fact remains that it's a very serious illness that can be deadly for those at risk.

Out of the nine cases of listeria being investigated, five were diagnosed in Queensland.

‘Queensland Health is currently the lead agency in one of three multijurisdictional foodborne disease outbreak investigations across the country due to listeria. The source of infection is currently unknown as no single common food was able to be linked to all cases.’

‘While we will endeavour to identify the source of every infection, it is not uncommon for this to prove unsuccessful,’ Dr Gerrard stated.

Experts urge people who are vulnerable to Listeria infections to avoid soft cheeses. Credit: Shutterstock

The source remains unknown for the most part, but it's recommended that people in high-risk groups, as well as the general public, take steps to make sure they don't add to the rising number of cases reported.

According to NSW Health Branch Director Kiera Glasgow, in 2023, they have ‘recorded 25 cases of listeriosis among NSW residents, which is more than we usually expect to see in a whole year.'

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Eating contaminated food is the usual source of listeriosis, so it's important for everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable to infections, to be mindful of the food they consume.

Routine food hygiene practices can help protect you and your family from potential hazards in the food you purchase or consume.

Some hygiene practices include washing hands before and after handling food, as well as avoiding eating raw foods and unheated leftovers.

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Key Takeaways

• Health authorities are investigating nine cases of listeriosis across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
• Listeriosis is a serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria and is particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals.
• Queensland Health is currently the lead agency in one of three multi-jurisdictional foodborne disease outbreak investigations due to listeria across the country.
• High-risk individuals are urged to avoid certain foods, including ready-to-eat processed meats, soft cheeses, pre-prepared salads, raw vegetables, pate, and shellfish.

It is important to keep our community safe from food-borne illnesses, and we hope investigations from authorities will soon find the source of the listeria outbreaks.

Are you familiar with Listeriosis? What hygiene practices do you recommend, especially for those who are part of high-risk groups? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Veggiepatch]

If you're immuno-compromised, like me, by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it pays to exercise a little extra care.

I might be seen as a clean freak when it comes to food preparation and dishwashing, but it's better to go that extra yard than suffer the consequences.

 

[Ricki]

If you're immuno-compromised, like me, by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it pays to exercise a little extra care.

I might be seen as a clean freak when it comes to food preparation and dishwashing, but it's better to go that extra yard than suffer the consequences.

My granddaughter has Hashimoto's as well. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Veggiepatch]

My granddaughter has Hashimoto's as well. My heart goes out to you.

Actually, it's not that bad. Just feel constantly fatigued and you stop sweating when you normally would have.

 

[Ricki]

Actually, it's not that bad. Just feel constantly fatigued and you stop sweating when you normally would have.

When she was first diagnosed she was in a bad way but over time with a lot of help from her specialist she's now, 5 years later, very healthy.

 

[Leenie]

If you're immuno-compromised, like me, by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it pays to exercise a little extra care.

I might be seen as a clean freak when it comes to food preparation and dishwashing, but it's better to go that extra yard than suffer the consequences.

Cleanliness is next to godliness. Some people don’t know what soap and water is used for .

 

[Veggiepatch]

Cleanliness is next to godliness. Some people don’t know what soap and water is used for .

Some people where I shop need a pressure cleaner to get rid of their stench. Phoarrr!