Listeriosis is a serious infection
caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes
Listeriosis is a rare disease. Persons at higher risk
for disease include:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Elderly persons
- Individuals with a weakened immune system (for example:
persons with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease)
Listeria is commonly found in the environment
Listeria is found in dust, soil, water, sewage, and silage,
and it is a known cause of disease in animals. It has
also been found in various meats, vegetables, seafood,
and dairy products. Listeria can multiply in refrigerated
food that is contaminated. Pasteurization of dairy products
and proper cooking are usually adequate to kill the bacteria.
In addition, the bacteria can also live in the gastrointestinal
tract of some individuals who are infected, but do not
have symptoms.
Listeria is spread by ingestion of contaminated foods,
direct contact with infected animals, or from a pregnant
mother to her baby
Infected individuals may spread the bacteria to others
for up to several months.
Symptoms can be mild in healthy individuals, but are
more severe in those with weakened immune systems
Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal
symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads
to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff
neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
After exposure, symptoms usually occur within 3 days to
10 weeks, but most often within 3 weeks.
Pregnant women who become infected generally only develop
flu-like symptoms (fever, tiredness, achiness). However,
the infection can cause premature labor, premature delivery,
miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Newborns born to infected mothers can develop listeriosis
within one week of birth (called early-onset) or after
several weeks. Infants with early-onset disease usually
develop severe blood infections (sepsis), pneumonia, or
skin rashes. These infants are at highest risk of death.
If you think you have listeriosis, you should
see a doctor immediately
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics
Listeriosis can be prevented
- Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, cooked
foods, and ready-to-eat foods.
- Thoroughly cook foods from animal sources, such as
beef, pork, or poultry.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk, or foods made from unpasteurized
milk.
- Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Wash hands, knives, cutting boards, and other contaminated
surfaces after contact with uncooked foods.
- Individuals at high risk may choose to avoid soft
cheeses, pâté, and ready-to-eat processed
meat products such as deli meats.
Fact Sheet Index
Maryland Department of Health &
Mental Hygiene
— Epidemiology & Disease Control Program
May 2002
|
are PDF. Download