High number of listeriosis cases across NSW has called for health warnings from NSW Health and the NSW Food Authority. 

There have been 14 cases of the infection already in 2018, and have been associated with three deaths. 

Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating food contaminated with a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is extremely harmful to those in high risk groups, such as people who are older, pregnant, or have underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, weak immune systems, heart, live and kidney disease. 

The 14 cases have been linked with people in high risk groups, and most were over 65 years of age. 

“We are working closely with the NSW Food Authority to determine the source of the infections. With this growing number of cases, it’s timely for us to remind people in high risk groups to avoid foods that cause listeriosis,” Director Communicable Diseases NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

“Eating foods that contain Listeria bacteria does not cause illness in most people, but in higher groups it can result in severe illness and even death so it’s vitally important these people take extra care at all times,” she added. 

The foods that are easily contaminated include melons, cold salads, fruit salads, cold chicken, delicatessen meats, raw seafood, uncooked smoked seafood, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, sprouted seeds, and raw mushrooms. 

Listeria survives refrigeration, so special care should be taken for cut fruit and vegetables that can be eaten raw.