The Big Cheese scare- ... is it an imported concern????

[HotI]

Listeriosis is an uncommon disease in humans. In Australia in 2003 the rate was three infections per million population for non-pregnancy Listeriosis cases and 4.6 infections per 100 000 births per year for maternal-foetal infections.

So if Australia has a population of 20 million, that gives approx 60 cases of listerosis per year in Australia.

There are approx 250,000 births per year in Australia. Therefore, 4.6 x 2.5 = 11.5 maternal-foetal listerosis infections/year

There are approx 1500 fatalities from road accidents each year in Australia.

So, statistically you are 100 times more likely to die in a car accident than by infected by listeria during pregnancy.

* i admit that the calculations are crude

[nothing2lose]

That's not quite true HotI. There are other variables which need to be taken into account when looking at the road toll statistics versus maternal/fetal deaths due to listeria. You need to look at how many pregnant women are killed each year within those road toll figures to make a more accurate comparison.

[HotI]

That's not quite true HotI. There are other variables which need to be taken into account when looking at the road toll statistics versus maternal/fetal deaths due to listeria. You need to look at how many pregnant women are killed each year within those road toll figures to make a more accurate comparison.

Only if pregnancy affects your chances of being killed in a car accident, which is possible cos you are less likely to be male, drinking alcohol ...

[Ambersky]

Is great to break it down like that Hotl, Thanks. Helps keep it in perspective, I'm not suggesting anyone eat food they are not comfortable with... but no one ever suggests we don't get in cars for 9m.

[Aussiegirl777]

I think you more need to be aware of bacteria forming due to bacteria from moisture. Be it Listeria or Salmonella etc. It's more about moisture occuring in a product (could be cheese, could be rice, could be cucumber or lettuce etc) after it has been prepared. The higher the moisture content the more likely it is to be contaminated once it is cut/cooked/prepared, if it is not stored correctly. That is why the emphasis is on eating fresh food and knowing where it has come from during your pregnancy.

[Phteven]

So if Australia has a population of 20 million, that gives approx 60 cases of listerosis per year in Australia.

There are approx 250,000 births per year in Australia. Therefore, 4.6 x 2.5 = 11.5 maternal-foetal listerosis infections/year

There are approx 1500 fatalities from road accidents each year in Australia.

So, statistically you are 100 times more likely to die in a car accident than by infected by listeria during pregnancy.

I doubt that knowing that only 10.5 other mothers lost their babies because of listeria is much comfort to the mothers who do lose their babies.

[HotI]

The data was on infections, not deaths due to listeria.

I largely chose not to eat the high risk listeria foods during pregnancy, but i do think the risk of listeriosis is overstated, with many women feeling guilt over their diet and have their diet questioned by family members or media, but continue other behaviours where the risk of damage to mum or baby may be higher.