Health authorities have launched a nationwide investigation after 9 circumstances of listeria have been reported throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Eating meals contaminated with listeria monocytogenes micro organism may end up in listeriosis, an sickness that’s notably harmful for pregnant, aged, or immunocompromised folks.
Although most wholesome folks won’t change into sick after ingesting the commonplace micro organism, listeriosis could be extraordinarily severe and even life-threatening for susceptible folks.
An outbreak at a Queensland Hospital has been confirmed on Saturday, sparking fears hospitals throughout the state may have been uncovered to contaminated meals.
Mater Hospital Brisbane spokesperson confirmed “a small number of cases” have been recognized at well being amenities in South East Queensland.
“Affected patients have been treated in accordance with best practice,” they stated.
The spokesperson stated the federal authorities’s OzFoodNet has co-ordinated a nationwide investigation into the outbreak following circumstances in NSW and Victoria.
The community screens and responds to foodborne illnesses throughout the nation to guard Australians from meals poisoning.
Queensland chief well being officer, Dr John Gerrard, stated authorities are investigating “several potential food sources”.
“At this stage, there is no evidence that the infection was acquired from food consumed in a hospital,” he stated.
There are presently 9 circumstances of listeria being investigated, 5 of which have been identified in Queensland.
“Queensland Health is currently the lead agency in one of three multijurisdictional foodborne disease outbreak investigations across the country due to listeria,” Dr Gerrard stated.
“The source of infection is currently unknown as no single common food was able to be linked to all cases.”
He famous all 4 Queensland residents affected by the outbreak have been over 40 years outdated and had underlying well being points.
Symptoms of listeriosis can take as much as two months to manifest after publicity to listeria.
Dr Gerrard pressured the variety of listeria circumstances reported in Queensland have been “not above average”.
“Although listeria is uncommon, we do see a small number of cases every year,” he stated.
“While we will endeavour to identify the source of every infection, it is not uncommon for this to prove unsuccessful.”
NSW issued an pressing warning earlier this month following the detection of “several confirmed cases of listeria infection”.
The Victorian Department of Health acknowledged there are presently “a number of clusters” of listeria within the nation however refused to touch upon the variety of circumstances inside its borders.
“Victoria is liaising with the Commonwealth and other States and Territories to investigate and manage these clusters,” the spokesperson stated in a press release.
The outbreaks come after NSW Health expressed concern about an alarming improve within the variety of listeriosis circumstances detected locally over the previous yr.
“Already in 2023, we’ve recorded 25 cases of listeriosis among NSW residents, which is more than we usually expect to see in a whole year,” NSW Health department director Kiera Glasgow stated.
Listeriosis an infection normally begins with fever and muscle aches.
In excessive danger folks, it could actually rapidly unfold to the blood or central nervous system, inflicting sudden onset of fever, intense complications, stiff neck, confusion or delirium, convulsions, lack of stability or coma.
People who’re prone to an infection are urged to keep away from meals reminiscent of ready-to-eat processed meats, smooth cheeses, pre-prepared salads, uncooked greens, pate, and shellfish.
Originally revealed as Urgent warning for hundreds of thousands of Aussies over listeria outbreak
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
