An elderly woman from New South Wales has become the sixth Australian to die in the current rockmelon-related listeria outbreak.

The woman in her 90s had significant underlying health conditions, NSW Health said in a statement on Tuesday.

Nineteen people have been infected during the outbreak – linked to a single NSW farm – including three Victorians and three from New South Wales who subsequently died.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, communicable diseases director at NSW Health, said it was possible more listeria cases surface given those infected may not show symptoms for up to 70 days. However there was no risk of contracting the disease from rockmelons currently on sale, she said in a statement.

“It is important to know that people fall ill with listeriosis every year but most of the cases are never related to an outbreak like we are seeing. Sadly, up to one-third of those who do contract the disease will die.”



Rombola Family Farms at Nericon near Griffith in the NSW Riverina region voluntarily halted production of potentially contaminated melon types on 23 February after authorities identified it as the source of the infection.



All affected produce has been withdrawn from sale and distribution. The bacterial infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and elderly people. It can also cause death in people with weak immune systems.



Sheppeard said such people should always take care when handling and storing food and avoid buying pre-cut melons, salads, bagged lettuce, deli meats, raw seafood and sprouted seeds.

