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Potential cases of Listeriosis - 6 July 2011
A brand of chocolate trifle sold through some Coles supermarkets has been found to contain Listeria bacteria in one batch. The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes was detected in a sample with a use by date of 3 July 2011. The affected product has been on sale since 23 June 2011 in Coles supermarkets.
There have been no reports of illness to date associated with this product.
A media alert has been issued warning Victorians not to consume the Coles Chocolate Trifle if there is any remaining in their homes. They have also been advised to seek medical attention if they believe they have consumed this product and develop mild to moderate flu-like symptoms.
Listeria is especially dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies and also immuno-compromised individuals or the elderly. Initially, mild illness can develop into a much more serious illness, including meningoencephalitis and septicaemia. The incubation period can be anywhere from 3 to 70 days.
We are therefore issuing this alert to you advising you to consider a diagnosis of Listeriosis in your patients who may have consumed this product. Diagnosis is usually by isolation of the bacteria from a usually sterile site such as blood or CSF.
For further information, please call the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit on 1300 651 160, or visit the website below. Listeriosis is a Group B notifiable condition, which requires notification in writing from both medical practitioners and laboratories within five days of diagnosis.
Further information
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/bluebook/listeriosisYours sincerely
Dr Rosemary Lester
Acting Chief Health Officer
