Two people have died after contracting listeriosis — the infection caused by listeria bacteria — in NSW and Victoria, health authorities have confirmed.

Key points:

  • There have been listeriosis cases in three states, two of which have been fatal
  • It is understood those affected had eaten salmon produced in Tasmania
  • Authorities have issued a reminder about food preparation and storage

A third, non-fatal case of listeriosis is being investigated in Queensland.

A statement from Australia’s chief medical officer said investigations had indicated the infections were likely to have come from smoked salmon.

The victims were both over the age of 70 and had “significant underlying health conditions”, the statement read.

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