MELBOURNE – Three people have died in Australia after eating melon contaminated with listeria bacteria.
The first two fatalities were from New South Wales, and the third victim was in the state of Victoria, the BBC reported on Sunday.
A total of 15 elderly people have now been infected in the outbreak, which is being linked to a melon-grower in the state of New South Wales.
They include four Victorians and one Tasmanian.
The 15 diagnosed with the infection had all consumed rockmelon, also known as cantaloupe, before falling ill.
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with a compromised immune system have been warned to stay away from pre-cut rockmelon following the deaths.
The 15 people diagnosed with the infection had all consumed rockmelon, also known as cantaloupe, before falling ill.
The contamination has been traced to a farm near the city of Griffith in New South Wales.
The producer voluntarily stopped production after being told of the contamination.
Rockmelons have been withdrawn from supermarket shelves across Australia following the outbreak, which began in January.
Listeriosis can be caught from food containing listeria bacteria, or close contact with farm animals. Its cases usually involve unpasteurised milk or dairy products, such as camembert and brie. Pre-packed foods, including sandwiches and paté, can also contain listeria.
Listeria starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and sometimes diarrhoea. But the symptoms can take a few days or weeks to appear after eating contaminated produce.
People at risk should consult their doctor as soon as possible if symptoms appear.
