Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by a bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
The bacteria is found in soil and water and some animals, including poultry and cattle. It can be present in raw milk and foods made from raw milk. It can also live in food processing plants and contaminate a variety of processed meats.
Listeria is unlike many other germs as it can grow even in the cold temperature of the refrigerator. Listeria is killed by cooking and pasteurisation.
People usually become ill with listeriosis after eating contaminated food. People most at risk are pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
In case of an outbreak, you should seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- General weakness
- Vomiting (sometimes preceded by diarrhoea)
Treatment and outlook
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
Most people infected by Listeria recover within seven days. However, those with a compromised immune system, older adults, infants and pregnant women require urgent medical care.
Prevention
- Do not drink raw (unpasteurised) milk. Also, be careful of foods that contain raw milk.
- Practice good hygiene in the kitchen. Wash your hands regularly, and make sure cutting boards, cutlery and crockery are cleaned properly.
- Thoroughly cook animal foods such as meat, poultry or fish. Rather overcook than undercook.
- Consume perishable foods as soon as possible. Do not use them past their expiry date.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow, covered containers and use within 3 to 4 days.
- Avoid cross-contamination in the refrigerator or other places in the kitchen.
Also see How to eradicate Listeria from you kitchen and small shop (National Institute for Communicable Diseases)
