Another 15 elderly people became ill with listeriosis in the Australian state of New South Wales. All of them ate cantaloupe - a grade of melon, the Air Force notes..

The state authorities advise not to eat melons that were bought before March 1, as well as fruits that are sold already sliced. Especially it concerns children, pregnant women and people aged.

It is believed that the source of the outbreak of listeriosis is on a farm near the town of Griffith.

Listeria affects the central nervous system and can cause meningitis and encephalitis. In many people, the infection is asymptomatic, but listeriosis in people with weakened immunity can lead to death. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhea.