One person has died and at least six others have been taken to hospital with listeria during a surge in food poisoning cases in the weeks before Christmas.
The tragedy is one of seven cases of listeria reported in the last three weeks, although none are believed to be linked.
More National News Videos
- Video duration
- 04:20
How to avoid food poisoning
How to avoid food poisoning
Learn how to keep bacteria at bay and handle food safely. Vision: Better Health Channel.
Up Next
ABC spreading fake news: Canavan
- Video duration
- 01:40
- Video duration
- 01:40
ABC spreading fake news: Canavan
ABC spreading fake news: Canavan
Nationals MP Matt Canavan has had a bizarre spray on radio, accusing the ABC of reporting fake news over the Adani coal mine.
Up Next
Bushfires explained
- Video duration
- 03:38
- Video duration
- 03:38
Bushfires explained
Bushfires explained
Bushfires are a natural part of Australia, but how do they behave, and how do you prepare for one?
Up Next
A scene of devastation: Shelton
- Video duration
- 02:23
- Video duration
- 02:23
A scene of devastation: Shelton
A scene of devastation: Shelton
A van filled with gas bottles has exploded out the front of the Australian Christian Lobby in Canberra. The groups head Lyle Shelton says they've received death threats.
Up Next
'There was nothing wrong with him'
- Video duration
- 02:24
- Video duration
- 02:24
'There was nothing wrong with him'
'There was nothing wrong with him'
Doctors had told Bruno Comelli he would live past 100, yet an asbestos-related cancer had been lying dormant for more than half his life.
Up Next
ACL responds to suspected car bomb attack
- Video duration
- 02:02
- Video duration
- 02:02
ACL responds to suspected car bomb attack
ACL responds to suspected car bomb attack
The head of the Australian Christian Lobby Lyle Shelton has spoken to the media about the allegedly targeted bombing of their office in Canberra. Vision courtesy: ABC News 24
Up Next
Will Cory Bernardi split from the Liberals?
- Video duration
- 00:30
- Video duration
- 00:30
Will Cory Bernardi split from the ...
Will Cory Bernardi split from the Liberals?
Growing speculation Cory Bernardi is looking at a 'Trump-inspired' defection from the Liberals in the new year amid calls for the conservative senator to quit the party. Courtesy Seven News.
Up Next
'Car bomb' explodes in Canberra
- Video duration
- 00:36
- Video duration
- 00:36
'Car bomb' explodes in Canberra
'Car bomb' explodes in Canberra
Australian Christian Lobby's headquarters damaged after a van reportedly filled with gas cylinders was driven into it and exploded. Vision courtesy Seven News.
How to avoid food poisoning
Learn how to keep bacteria at bay and handle food safely. Vision: Better Health Channel.
All of the other patients have since left hospital and are recovering.
The Department of Health issued an alert to all Victorian doctors on Wednesday afternoon to be on the lookout for high-risk patients with symptoms of listeria.
"Listeriosis is a potentially serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes," Victoria's acting chief health officer Dr Finn Romanes said.
"Be alert for listeriosis in high-risk patients over the summer months. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Most people contract listeriosis after eating contaminated food."
He advised doctors and other health professionals to "educate at-risk patients" about safe food-handling and which foods to avoid.
The department was unable to reveal further details about the patient's death.
The seven recent cases are among 25 that have been reported in Victoria so far this year. In 2015, there were 22 cases of listeria in the state.
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the incidents were a timely reminder for pregnant women, and other at-risk people, in the days leading up to Christmas.
"Food-borne illnesses typically increase during the summer months, when bacteria can multiply quickly. With a recent rise in listeriosis notifications it's particularly important pregnant women take extra precautions this Christmas," Ms Hennessy said.
"Pregnant women should remain vigilant and avoid eating salads prepared well in advance of consumption, cold seafood and cold deli meats, soft cheeses, soft-serve ice cream, dips and any unpasteurised dairy products."
Listeria symptoms usually occur around three weeks after eating contaminated food, but the interval can vary between a few days and two months.
Early symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, aches and pains, but can lead to more serious problems including meningitis and septicaemia.
Those particularly vulnerable to the infection include the elderly, pregnant women and their fetuses, newborn babies, and people whose immune systems may be weakened by illnesses like cancer, liver or kidney disease and diabetes.
Listeria is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food, but transmission can also occur in the womb. During pregnancy it typically presents as a mild flu-like illness.
Some pregnant women may have no symptoms, but infection during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labour, and sepsis or meningitis.
Healthy adults are usually not affected but may experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and self-limiting gastroenteritis.
2 comments
New User? Sign up