Causes
In what way is listeria commonly transmitted?
Eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.
What are some possible symptoms of listeria?
Fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.
How can minor infections be treated?
Medication may not be required for minor infections.
What is one way the listeria can be prevented?
By keeping clean, avoiding cross contamination.
Can keeping food cold prevent listeria?
Listeria can survive and reproduce up to 0 degrees Celsius.
Who is likely to be infected with listeria?
Pregnant women and their babies, the elderly, or people with weak immune systems.
What are some longer term symptoms of listeria?
Headache, confusion, stiff neck, tremors and convulsions, and loss of balance.
How can more serious cases be treated?
More serious cases can be treated with antibiotics.
What is another way listeria can be prevented?
Avoiding deli meats and unpasteurized milk.
How many deaths does listeria cause yearly?
An estimated 260 Americans die of listeriosis yearly, although only immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant women are at risk of a serious case of listeriosis.
What germ causes listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes.
What are some severe symptoms of listeria?
Cranial nerve palsies (paralysis and tremors), Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), and Cerebral abscesses (localized pus build-up within the brain).
How long does listeria take to be treated?
Up to six weeks.
How can listeria be prevented in the farm to table continuum?
By keeping equipment clean and cooking/refrigerating food.
How many distinct species are there of listeria?
10.
Who is most likely to be infected with Listeria?
Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get infected than the general population.
What is the incubation period of listeria?
30 days.
How can newborns be treated for listeria?
With antibiotics.
What foods are more likely to cause listeria?
Soft cheeses and Mexican-style cheeses, deli meats, meat spreads, and refrigerated smoked seafood.
How dangerous is listeria?
Around 30 to 20 percent of cases are fatal