What is Listeriosis?

About Listeriosis:

• Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and even the faeces of animals and humans.
• Listeria-contaminated food can lead to an infection called listeriosis.
• Some foods are more likely to have listeria than others, including milk, raw sprouts, deli meats and hot dogs, soft cheeses and smoked seafood.
• Symptoms
  • Most people who ingest listeria-infected food do not fall sick or develop symptoms.
  • The bacteria can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months until the symptoms present themselves, making it difficult to establish the connection between what was consumed and the infection.
• Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever.
• Who is vulnerable to listeriosis?
  • People with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and their offspring and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable.
  • The US outbreak has a median age of 75. Listeria can result in hospitalisation and even death for the immunocompromised and the elderly.
  • According to the CDC, pregnant women are 10 times more likely to develop a listeria infection and risk pregnancy loss, premature birth or even life-threatening infection in the newborn.
• Treatment
• • Treatment depends on the extent of the infection. The treatment is similar to one for a routine stomach infection and could require antibiotics.