Dangerous pathogen Already five people died after eating melons

Listeria in melons: Five people died

In Australia, five people have already died after eating honeydew melons. According to health experts, the fruits were contaminated with Listeria. These bacteria apparently also caused a woman to lose her baby. Therefore, pregnant women in particular should not use melons at present.

Listeria outbreak claims several lives

Australia is currently hit by a dangerous Listeria outbreak. The bacteria have already killed five people, a woman had a miscarriage. According to health experts, all cases are due to contaminated melons (cantaloupe melons). Listeria infections can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and the elderly. In people with weakened immune systems, they can lead to death.

In Australia, several people have died after eating honeydew melons. The fruits were contaminated with listeria. Certain people are advised against eating melons. (Image: HLPhoto / fotolia.com)

Melons contaminated with bacteria

In the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), five deaths have been recorded in recent weeks due to Listeria.

The most recent case - the death of a man in his 80s - is, according to Dr. Brett Sutton, Victoria's Deputy Health Commissioner, has just been linked to the Listeria outbreak.

"And unfortunately, the investigation also confirmed that a miscarriage was associated with the outbreak," the expert said in a statement.

The dangerous bacteria were taken up by contaminated melons. The fruits should all come from a specific farm in NSW.

Widespread bacteria

Listeria are bacteria that are found almost everywhere in the environment and are generally safe for healthy adults. However, they can also trigger a so-called "listeriosis".

The pathogens can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea and fever.

According to health experts, the microorganisms in certain risk groups (pregnant women, infants, persons with weakened immune systems) can also lead to encephalitis or blood poisoning. Pneumonia and heart valve inflammation have also been described.

Even deadly forms are possible, as not only the current outbreak in Australia shows.

For example, several years ago, several deaths had been reported from the United States following the consumption of Listeria melons.

Avoid certain foods

According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), among others, persons from risk groups should not eat raw foodstuffs (such as Mett) in order to protect themselves.

They should also do without smoked or marinated fish products and raw milk cheese.

"In addition, consumers can avoid the contamination of ready-to-eat foods with Listeria and the multiplication of the pathogen in the dishes by simple kitchen hygiene rules," says the BfR.

Do not dispose of potentially affected fruits in the compost

The Victoria Health Department also points to safety measures:

"Pregnant women should avoid eating pre-cut melons (such as melons or watermelons), other prepared fruit and vegetable salads, cold seafood and cold meats, soft cheese, soft serve ice cream, dips and unpasteurized dairy products."

In addition, the authorities say: "If consumers are unsure about the origin of a melon, it should be disposed of in the trash can and not in compost bins to avoid further contamination." (Ad)