Campaign to increase awareness of listeria risks for pregnant women

24/6/95

A campaign which strives to increase women's awareness of the risks of contracting listeria while pregnant has been launched by the Coalition Government.

Health Minister Graham Kierath said today that listeria infection was transmitted to the foetus and may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or severe illness in a newborn baby.

"I must emphasise that we do not want to cause undue worry for pregnant women but it is very important that they have the information they need to avoid unnecessary tragedy," Mr Kierath said.

"The disease is caused by the common bacteria listeria monocytogenes, which is present on the surface of raw unwashed vegetables and in certain processed foods such as pate, cooked diced chicken, meat products and soft cheese."

Mr Kierath said the campaign aimed to raise the awareness of women of child-bearing age of the risks of contracting listeria and how best to reduce these risks.

"Listeria infection during pregnancy easily can be prevented through avoiding high-risk foods and employing good hygiene techniques when preparing food," he said.

"Some of the foods pregnant women should avoid include cooked diced chicken as used in chicken sandwiches, pre-prepared or stored salads such as coleslaw, and cold, smoked and raw seafood.

"Pregnant women should avoid foods that have not adequately been heat treated, foods that are stored for long periods and foods that are close to the 'use by' date.

"Basically, the risk is minimised by eating freshly prepared and freshly cooked food during pregnancy."

Mr Kierath said there was an outbreak of listeriosis in Perth during 1990 when 11 women contracted the infection, resulting in six stillbirths.

Sporadic isolated cases continued to continue to occur, even though Western Australia has a very comprehensive food monitoring program.

There have been many outbreaks of listeria elsewhere, including America, Europe and New Zealand.

Mr Kierath said that the listeria awareness campaign was very timely as Perth would host the 12th International Symposium on Problems of Listeriosis in October this year.

"This is the first time that this symposium has been held anywhere in the southern hemisphere and it is expected to attract listeriosis experts from all over the world," he said.

The listeria awareness campaign comprises television and radio advertisements and posters on bus backs.

Information leaflets on listeria are available from doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, local government authorities and the Environmental Health Service by phoning 388 4999.

Media Contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133/222 9595