Understanding Listeria: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Listeria is a type of food poisoning caused by bacteria that can be found in soil, water, dust, animal waste, and other substances. While most healthy people rarely become seriously ill from listeria infection, it can be dangerous for pregnant women, their babies, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Common symptoms of listeria infection include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Achy muscles

• Fever

These symptoms may appear a few days to a couple of months after consuming contaminated food. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can cause more severe symptoms, such as:

• Headache

• Stiff neck

• Confusion

• Loss of balance

• Convulsions

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of Listeria Infection

Listeria bacteria can grow at cold temperatures, even in the refrigerator. People most often get infected by consuming:

• Deli meats that aren't processed properly

• Dairy products made from unpasteurized milk

• Contaminated raw vegetables

• Contaminated animal meat

Preventing Listeria Infection

To protect yourself from listeria, follow these food safety tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling food

• Clean all kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water after cooking

• Scrub raw vegetables with a brush under running water

• Cook meat, poultry, and egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)

• Keep uncooked meat and poultry separate from other foods

• Consume hot dogs within a week and deli meats within 3-5 days of opening the package

• Maintain your refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer below 0°F (-18°C)

Pregnant women, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid certain foods, such as:

• Undercooked hot dogs, cold cuts, or deli meats

• Refrigerated meat spreads or smoked seafood

• Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (unless the label specifies pasteurized milk was used)

Stay informed about food recalls and watch for symptoms if you've consumed a recalled product. If you suspect listeria infection, contact your doctor promptly, as antibiotic treatment can help curb the effects of the infection.

For more information on food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses, visit the CDC's food safety website or the World Health Organization's food safety page.