Listeria cases surge in New South Wales

Millions of Australians have been warned to be on alert as cases of listeriosis rise in the community.

Those who have a weakened immune system, are over 65 or are pregnant are at particular risk of becoming seriously ill from the disease, New South Wales health authorities have warned.

Listeriosis infection, which occurs from eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, can cause serious illness or even death in vulnerable people.

While most healthy people won’t get sick, the community is still being warned to be on their guard due to a rise in cases and people hospitalized with the disease, Keira Glasgow from NSW Health said.

“Already in 2023 we have recorded 25 cases of listeriosis among NSW residents, which is more than we would normally expect in a whole year,” Ms Glasgow said.

‘There are a range of foods that pose very real risks for people who are older, pregnant or have underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart, liver or kidney disease, or who are taking medications such as corticosteroids that affect the immune system.

‘That’s why NSW Health is reminding these vulnerable people to be aware of the foods that pose these risks. It is critical that these people choose safer options at all times.”

Listeriosis infection usually begins with fever and muscle aches, after which the disease then spreads to the blood or central nervous system, causing sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or delirium, convulsions, loss of balance, or coma.

Those at increased risk of illness should avoid the following foods, according to NSW Health:

• Cold deli meat (freshly sliced, pre-packed or from sandwich bars)
• Pre-cooked cold chicken (whole, portioned or cubed)
• Smoked seafood (e.g. smoked salmon), unless cooked and served hot
• Chilled or raw seafood (e.g. ready-to-eat shrimp)
• Rock melon, and pre-cut fruit or ready-to-eat fruit, including fruit salad (pre-packaged, buffets or salad bars)
• Prepackaged cold salads, including coleslaw (prepackaged, buffets or salad bars)
• Frozen vegetables, unless cooked
• Pate or meat spreads
• Unpasteurized milk or milk products
• Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, ricotta or blue cheese (unless cooked and eaten warm)
• Soft serve
• Sprouted seeds

Residents are also warned not to contaminate fruit when cutting and not to store cut fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw, as listeria survives refrigeration.