People at increased risk of listeriosis - including those who are older, pregnant, or immunocompromised - are urged to avoid certain foods after an increase in cases across NSW.
Listeriosis infection comes from consuming food contaminated with a particular bacteria and can cause severe illness and death in vulnerable people, although most healthy people will not become ill.
NSW Health's One Health branch director, Keira Glasgow, said there had been a rise in both the number of reported cases of listeriosis and the number of people hospitalised with the illness.
So far this year NSW has recorded 25 cases of listeriosis, more than the state would usually see in a year.
NSW Health data shows the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has recorded three cases so far in 2023, up from two for the entirety of 2022.
In the 30 years to 2022, the district recorded an average of 1.5 cases per year.
"There are a range of foods that present very real risks to people who are older, pregnant or have underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart, liver, or kidney disease, or who are on medications such as corticosteroids which impact immune systems," Ms Glasgow said.
"That's why NSW Health is reminding these vulnerable people to be aware of the foods that present these risks. It's vital these people choose the safer option at all times."
People at increased risk of listeriosis should avoid the following foods:
- cold delicatessen meats
- pre-cooked cold chicken
- smoked seafood, unless cooked and served hot
- chilled or raw seafood
- rockmelon, and pre-cut or pre-prepared fruit (including fruit salad)
- pre-packed cold salads, including coleslaw
- frozen vegetables, unless cooked
- pate or meat spreads
- unpasteurised milk or milk products
- soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, ricotta and blue (unless cooked and eaten hot)
- soft-serve ice cream
- sprouted seeds
They should also:
- thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources
- wash raw vegetables and fruit thoroughly before eating
- keep raw meat separate from other foods
- use separate chopping boards for raw meat and other foods
- wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food
- wash chopping boards and knives after preparing uncooked food
- wash hands after handling animals
- store perishable foods in a refrigerator below 5 degrees and wash and eat as soon as possible
Symptoms of listeriosis usually start with fever and muscle aches.
For those at high risk, the disease can spread rapidly to the blood or central nervous system, causing sudden fever, intense headache, a stiff neck, confusion or delirium, convulsions, loss of balance, or even a coma.
Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and infection of the newborn.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
