Listeria monocytogenes is the bacterium which causes listeriosis, a very serious foodborne illness. Listeriosis affects nearly 2,500 people each year in the United States , resulting in 500 deaths. In 2002, 295,000 pounds of poultry were recalled by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation after inspectors identified Listeria in samples of turkey and chicken.
Listeria infection primarily affects pregnant women, newborn babies, and adults with compromised immune systems. In pregnant women, Listeria infection may result in premature labor, infection in the baby, or even stillbirth.
How Can I Get Listeria Infection?
The bacterium Listeria is found in soil and water. Vegetables can become infected with Listeria through the soil or from manure which is used as fertilizer. In addition, animals can carry Listeria without exhibiting symptoms of illness, which leads to the contamination of meat.
Listeriosis can be contracted by eating food contaminated with Listeria. This bacterium has been found in uncooked meats and vegetables and also processed foods such as soft cheeses and deli meats. Additionally, unpasteurized milk or milk products may contain Listeria. Even some cooked foods have been shown to harbor Listeria, when contamination occurs just prior to packaging. Babies are at a high risk for listeriosis when their mothers are infected.
What are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?
The symptoms of l isteriosis typically include muscles aches, fever, and sometimes diarrhea and nausea. In some cases, Listeria infection can cause more serious conditions, such as meningitis, pneumonia, and bacterial sepsis. If Listeria infection spreads to the central nervous system, neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures can occur. In the case of pregnant women who are infected with Listeria, symptoms may be mild and similar to the common flu.
What is the Treatment for Listeriosis?
Due to the seriousness of a Listeria infection, hospitalization is usually required. Treatment may involve intravenous antibiotics for a duration of at least 2 weeks. When antibiotics are given promptly to a pregnant woman, this can often prevent the transfer of the infection to the fetus. Babies who do acquire l isteriosis from their mother are usually given the same antibiotics as adults.
Even in cases where Listeria infection is diagnosed early and treatment is administered, l isteriosis can be fatal. This is especially likely when the victim is elderly or has another medical condition which has weakened their immune system.
How Can Listeriosis Be Prevented?
There are measures you can take to protect yourself against foodborne illness resulting from Listeria infection:
- Wash hands before and after handling food, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers
- After cutting raw meat, poultry or fish, promptly wash and disinfect the cutting board.
- Store refrigerated foods at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
- Cook meats thoroughly and to a safe temperature.
- Throw away foods when you are uncertain of contamination or freshness.
If you are pregnant:
- Avoid eating hot dogs or deli meats unless they are heated until very hot
- Avoid soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, or blue cheese
- Avoid meat spreads or pâté.
- Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood such as salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk.
- Avoid eating pre-made salads from grocery stores or fast-food restaurants.