Chicken wraps are at the centre of the listeria storm.
Virgin Blue is at the centre of a health scare concerning the discovery of the potentially fatal bacteria listeria, in food served by the airline.
Queensland Health are reported to be working with Virgin Blue after it was disclosed that five residents of Queensland contracted the disease after eating infected chicken wraps served up on Virgin Blue. Two of the people struck down were pregnant women who subsequently gave birth prematurely. Both women and babies are reportedly doing well.
The bacteria was discovered in chicken wraps served between May and June. Virgin Blue admitted that up to 5000 flights could have been affected. The supplier has been traced back and the wraps were withdrawn, but questions will surely be asked as to why this news has only been made public now.
Listeria poisoning is particularly dangerous, with a fatality rate as high as 30% amongst the vulnerable. For pregnant women, even mild symptoms can cause miscarriage, premature delivery and stillbirth.
Incubation period is up to 70 days and symptoms include fever, headaches, tiredness, aches, pains, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramping. In more severe cases listeria poisoning can lead to meningitis and septicemia. Because of the long incubation period period health authorities fear that more cases could emerge.
The listeria bacteria
Although the bacterias source has come from the supplier rather than Virgin Blue, the airline could still be made liable for any compensation claims by passengers.
A Brisbane law expert Mr O’Connor stated: “The airline in turn would have to make a claim against the supplier of the food but for passengers, it’s the airline that is liable,”
Anyone who is worried that they may have contracted the illness is advised to see their doctor.
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