The Australian cantaloupe is infected with Listeria monocytogenes, causing a fatal epidemic. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation Photo)
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the recent outbreak of Listeria in Australia, so far 10 people have been infected in the three Australian states, including two deaths in the new state. This epidemic is caused by Hami melon infection with Listeria monocytogenes.
People across the country have been warned not to eat cantaloupe, especially pregnant women, the elderly or people with immune problems.
Hami melons infected with Listeria have now been removed from supermarkets, but people may still have previously purchased cantaloupes in their homes.
Authorities have confirmed a number of cases, including six geriatric patients in the new state, one in Victoria and three in Kunzhou, all of whom fell ill between January 17 and February 9. These 10 people all get sick after eating cantaloupe.
Two of the six patients in the new state have died. The state also has a third case of death from Listeria monocytogenes, but the cantaloupe has been ruled out.
One of the sources of the epidemic is a farm in the Nericon region near (Riverina) Griffith (Griffith) in Orana, new state. Another case was related to the state of Victoria.
So far, all infected people are elderly. Shepard (Vicki Shepherd), head of (NSW Health) Infectious Diseases at the New State Department of Health, said only people with low immunity were at risk.
It is understood that it is the pericarp of Hami melon, not the flesh, that is infected by Listeria monocytogenes.
But Shepard added: "if there is a certain level of Listeria in the peel, when you cut the melon, the pathogen will transfer to the surface and be eaten by you."
"all cases are elderly, and the dead are over 70 years old in two years." "Listeria usually causes septicemia, which can cause fever, severe discomfort, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea," Shepard said.
"the weak must always be careful when cutting fruit. They should not buy pre-cut fruit, and be careful when cutting and preserving any kind of melon or fruit. "
On average, about 15 people die of Listeria each year, according to the Australian-New Zealand Food Standards and testing Agency (Food Standards Australia and New Zealand).
New state authorities have banned the sale and distribution of infected cantaloupe.
Forreaf (Dianne Fullelove), an industry development manager at the Australian Fruit and Fruit Association, said Listeria tests on other farms were negative, and other varieties of melon and fruit were not affected.
