Skip to main content

Fourth person dies of Listeriosis in Australia after eating contaminated melon

| Supplier news

A fourth person has died after consuming melon contaminated with listeria, Australian authorities said, in an outbreak that has so far affected 17 people.

Cases first came to the attention of health officials last month, with the source traced back to a farm in New South Wales (NSW) state.

"There have been two deaths in NSW and two in Victoria," NSW Health said in an update, adding that two new cases took the total affected nationally to 17.

Vicky Sheppeard, director of communicable diseases at NSW Health, said all contaminated rockmelons (cantaloupes) were recalled from the market on February 28.

"Typically, around one third of people who fall ill with listeriosis die every year. Most of the cases are never related to an outbreak like this one we're seeing with the rockmelon contamination," she said.

Listeria is a commonly found bacteria and for many people who consume foods that contain it, it does not cause illness. But it can pose a threat to the elderly, pregnant women or those with conditions like diabetes or cancer.

Listeriosis begins with flu-like symptoms including chills, fever and muscle aches. It has an incubation period of up to 70 days.

Pin It

Related Articles

By: Nicola Mawson - IOL JSE-listed Tiger Brands has exited its deciduous canned fruit business five years after it said it could do so for R1 while also setting up a R150 million community trust to benefit the Langeberg community.
A global wave of home appliance recalls, including millions of air fryer models sold by major brands has cast a harsh spotlight on the growing danger of faulty kitchen devices and the rising tide of personal injury claims they leave in their wake.
By Yashvir Maharaj – Insights Survey There has been an increase in demand for female-focused healthcare products, with the Vitamins industry being no exception to this movement.
The reimagined Engen Xtreme lubricants range roared onto the scene with a high-impact launch at The Galleria in Sandton this month, where industry professionals, mechanics, and key media were treated to an exclusive preview of the brand’s powerful n…
Engen has unveiled a bold new look for its Xtreme lubricants range, positioning it as a premium solution for South African motorists. Designed to meet the demands of local roads and climate, the enhanced Xtreme range offers superior performance, adv…