Health experts point to common food item as possible source of life-threatening outbreak
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Recently, we published an article about a national investigation launched by health authorities on numerous reported cases of listeria infection across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Listeriosis infections can be particularly deadly, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
Now, the alarming news of this health crisis has been traced back to a surprising source: a rather common type of chicken product.
It turns out that shredded chicken breast from M&J Chickens is the likely culprit behind these listeria cases.
In response to this discovery, Queensland Health investigators have warned various establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and hospitals, urging them to cease using this product as they work diligently to combat the spread of the illness.
Dr John Gerrard, the Chief Health Officer of Queensland Health, has confirmed that the Listeria strain discovered in the chicken samples is identical to the strain detected in patients within Queensland.
Within this cluster of cases, four are likely to have been contracted at the Mater Hospital, while the fifth case possibly originated from Redcliffe Hospital.
There is a strong likelihood that an official recall of this food product will be issued soon.
Until then, it is crucial for businesses and individuals who have this product to discontinue its use immediately. Public hospitals in Queensland have also received instructions not to use this particular product.
NSW is also facing a heightened risk of listeriosis, with 25 cases reported as of September 9. This number is unusually high and is approaching the yearly average for the state, as noted by Keira Glasgow from NSW Health.
She said: '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.'
NSW Health has recommended that individuals at a higher risk of severe infection should avoid certain foods, such as:
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
It's important to note that symptoms of listeriosis can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may be mild; in others, they may be more severe.
Common symptoms of listeriosis may appear early on and include fever, headache, tiredness, and aches and pains. However, as the infection progresses, it can lead to more serious health conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe you may have consumed affected products, you must seek medical attention immediately. In case of emergencies, dial
The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery, so do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
It's also important to note that food recalls do happen from time to time, and it's always a good idea to stay informed about them. You can find additional information on food recalls on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) website, and keep an eye out for future alerts.
We hope no one in our community has been affected by this health issue, and we wish you good health. Please spread the word and stay safe, members!
Listeriosis infections can be particularly deadly, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
Now, the alarming news of this health crisis has been traced back to a surprising source: a rather common type of chicken product.
It turns out that shredded chicken breast from M&J Chickens is the likely culprit behind these listeria cases.
In response to this discovery, Queensland Health investigators have warned various establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and hospitals, urging them to cease using this product as they work diligently to combat the spread of the illness.
Dr John Gerrard, the Chief Health Officer of Queensland Health, has confirmed that the Listeria strain discovered in the chicken samples is identical to the strain detected in patients within Queensland.
Within this cluster of cases, four are likely to have been contracted at the Mater Hospital, while the fifth case possibly originated from Redcliffe Hospital.
There is a strong likelihood that an official recall of this food product will be issued soon.
Until then, it is crucial for businesses and individuals who have this product to discontinue its use immediately. Public hospitals in Queensland have also received instructions not to use this particular product.
NSW is also facing a heightened risk of listeriosis, with 25 cases reported as of September 9. This number is unusually high and is approaching the yearly average for the state, as noted by Keira Glasgow from NSW Health.
She said: '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.'
NSW Health has recommended that individuals at a higher risk of severe infection should avoid certain foods, such as:
- Cold deli meats (whether freshly sliced, pre-packaged, or from sandwich bars)
- Pre-cooked cold chicken (whether whole, in portions, or diced)
- Smoked seafood (like smoked salmon) unless it's cooked and served hot
- Chilled or raw seafood (such as ready-to-eat prawns)
- Rockmelon, as well as pre-cut or pre-prepared fruit, including fruit salad (whether from pre-packaged sources, buffets, or salad bars)
- Prepackaged cold salads, including coleslaw (whether from pre-packaged sources, buffets, or salad bars)
- Frozen vegetables, unless they're thoroughly cooked
- Pâté or meat spreads
- Unpasteurised milk or milk products
- Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, ricotta, or blue-vein (unless they are cooked and eaten while hot)
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Sprouted seeds
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
It's important to note that symptoms of listeriosis can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may be mild; in others, they may be more severe.
Common symptoms of listeriosis may appear early on and include fever, headache, tiredness, and aches and pains. However, as the infection progresses, it can lead to more serious health conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe you may have consumed affected products, you must seek medical attention immediately. In case of emergencies, dial
The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery, so do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
It's also important to note that food recalls do happen from time to time, and it's always a good idea to stay informed about them. You can find additional information on food recalls on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) website, and keep an eye out for future alerts.
Key Takeaways
- Shredded chicken breast from M & J Chickens has been named as the probable cause of Listeria cases in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
- The link was made after health authorities found that the cases across the states were genetically linked, and the same strain of Listeria was found in both the chicken samples and the patients.
- Nine cases have been linked to the product, with the virus believed to have been contracted in Brisbane hospitals that served the chicken.
- Queensland Health's Chief Health Officer, Dr John Gerrard, has warned businesses and individuals to stop using the product, and an official food recall is likely to follow.
We hope no one in our community has been affected by this health issue, and we wish you good health. Please spread the word and stay safe, members!