Listeria outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupes

VICTORIANS have been urged to throw out cantaloupes they have previously purchased after a listeria outbreak that has left two people in NSW dead.

VICTORIANS have been urged to throw out cantaloupes they have previously purchased after a listeria outbreak that has left two people in NSW dead.

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Ten elderly people across Australia were diagnosed with the infection after consuming cantaloupe and becoming ill between January 17 and February 9, the NSW Food Authority said.

Two of the six who became ill in NSW subsequently died, a NSW Health spokeswoman confirmed.

Victoria’s deputy chief health officer, Dr Brett Sutton, said one case had been confirmed in Victoria.

The affected melons have been withdrawn from sale.

Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and elderly people, and starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches and nausea.

Dr Sutton said the affected cantaloupes, also known as rockmelons, have been withdrawn and discontinued from further sale with all states and territories working together to investigate the cause of the outbreak.

Consumers who are uncertain of the origin of a cantaloupe are advised to discard the melon but not into compost bins to avoid further contamination.

A Chief Health Officer Alert has been issued to medical professionals and health services.

The outbreak has been linked to a cantaloupe grower in Nericon in the NSW Riverina region with the company voluntarily ceasing production after being notified of the contamination.

The Australian Melon Association has urged people to remove or return any cantaloupe purchased before yesterday.

“Any current (cantaloupe) bought before today, discard or take it back to the shop,” Australian Melon Association industry development manager Dianne Fullelove told AAP.

“Fruit on the shelf now is from farms that are not implicated.”

There have been 15 cases of Listeria infection in Australia this year in total.

Ten are being blamed on the contaminated cantaloupe.

“Eating foods that contain listeria bacteria does not cause illness in most people, but in higher risk groups it can result in severe illness and even death so it’s vitally important these people take extra care at all times,” NSW Health’s communicable diseases director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said last week.

Listeria starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and sometimes diarrhoea but the symptoms can take a few days or weeks to appear after eating contaminated produce.

The infection is particularly dangerous to the elderly, pregnant women and people who have underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease.

Vulnerable people should avoid pre-cut melons such as cantaloupe or watermelon.

People at risk should consult their doctor as soon as possible if symptoms appear.