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Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. While consuming food contaminated with listeria isn't usually serious for most healthy people, it can lead to serious illness, especially for pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, killing about 260 people a year.
The American company BrucePac recalled more than nine million ready-to-eat meat products due to listeria contamination. These products had been distributed to several restaurants and vendors nationwide, and authorities are concerned that these contaminated foods may still be in circulation or stored in refrigerators or freezers.
Click on to learn more about this infection and how to prevent it.
The most common symptoms are fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, and nausea. Overall, the illness is mild and goes away on its own, although diarrhea may last for up to five days.
In some cases, listeria can spread outside your intestines. Known as invasive listeria, it causes more severe symptoms, including stiff neck, muscle pain, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
Pregnant people, newborns, people over the age of 65, and those with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of serious illness or complications from listeria.
Listeria in pregnant individuals may lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.
If the baby survives, they may develop a serious infection of the brain, blood, or lungs. This can cause lifelong health problems, such as seizures, paralysis, or intellectual disability.
In most cases, symptoms are mild and last only a few days. However, if you're in a risk group, or if symptoms persist and illness doesn't improve after five days, make an appointment with your doctor.
Treatment for listeria depends on how severe your symptoms are and your overall health. If symptoms are mild, your doctor may instruct you to stay home and care for yourself.
For more severe cases of listeria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, which will kill bacteria or slow their growth. Pregnant individuals will also be treated with antibiotics.
If you're at an increased risk of serious illness or complications due to listeria, be cautious with the following types of foods or avoid them altogether.
Soft cheeses, like brie, feta, and camembert, are produced from milk that hasn't been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that helps kill potentially harmful microbes in certain produce.
Raw milk hasn't been pasteurized to kill harmful microbes. Keep in mind that raw milk can also be used to make other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Deli meats and hot dogs are more likely than other foods to be contaminated with listeria. If you're at risk of invasive listeria, it's generally best to avoid these, unless they've been cooked to a safe temperature, such as 165°F (73.8°C).
The same is true for dried sausages, packaged cold cuts, and meat products that don’t require heating or cooking.
Don't eat refrigerated pâté or meat spreads from a deli or the meat counter at a grocery store. Foods that don't require refrigeration, like canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening.
Smoked seafood products are also risky, and are probably worth avoiding for people at high risk for listeria.
Raw meats, such as beef, pork, or poultry, can contain listeria. These need to be cooked above a certain temperature to kill bacteria.
Eggs that are raw or that haven't been cooked thoroughly enough can also contain listeria.
Raw sprouts can harbor listeria as well as a variety of other bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. Simply washing raw sprouts isn't effective at removing bacteria, so make sure they're thoroughly cooked before eating them.
Certain leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce, and wild rocket have been associated with listeria outbreaks. Always thoroughly wash any greens to be on the safe side.
Fruit juices can also contain listeria if they're not pasteurized or heated to a high temperature.
Melons, especially pre-sliced melons, can also contain listeria. This may be because they have come into contact with the bacteria during processing. Aim to eat cut melon right away.
Practicing the following food safety measures is the best way to prevent listeria.
Wash the hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after cooking.
After cooking, use hot, soapy water to wash the utensils, cutting boards, and other surfaces where food was prepared.
Under running water, wash, and, when possible, scrub all fruits and vegetables with a produce brush. Do this even if you plan to peel the fruit or vegetable.
Regularly wash shelves, drawers, and handles with warm water and soap to kill bacteria.
Although listeria don't die in cold temperatures, a properly cooled fridge can slow bacteria growth. Maintain the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4.4°C). The freezer should be at or below 0°F (-17.8°C).
Sources: (Healthline) (CNN) (Medical News Today) (Everyday Health)
Listeria infection: what to know, and how to prevent it
BrucePac recalls meat due to listeria contamination
HEALTH Infections
Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. While consuming food contaminated with listeria isn't usually serious for most healthy people, it can lead to serious illness, especially for pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, killing about 260 people a year.
The American company BrucePac recalled more than nine million ready-to-eat meat products due to listeria contamination. These products had been distributed to several restaurants and vendors nationwide, and authorities are concerned that these contaminated foods may still be in circulation or stored in refrigerators or freezers.
Click on to learn more about this infection and how to prevent it.