LISTERIA

INFECTION
 LISTERIA

Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods. People who
eat those foods can get infected with Listeria. The infection is
called listeriosis.

Listeria are most likely to sicken people who are pregnant and
their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with
weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with
Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
 SYMPTOMS OF A
LISTERIA
Listeria can vary but often include:
Fever,Muscle aches, Nausea, Diarrhea,Headache,Stiff neck,Confusion and Loss
of balance
In more severe cases, listeriosis can lead to serious complications, especially in
pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune
systems. It can cause bloodstream infections, meningitis, and even death. If you
suspect you have a Listeria infection, especially if you fall into one of these
high-risk groups, seek medical attention promptly.
CAUSE AND
EFFECT
 CAUSE
• Contaminated Food: Listeria can be found in various types of food,
especially raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products,
and certain ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, hot dogs, and soft
cheeses.
• Cross-Contamination: It can spread from contaminated surfaces,
utensils, or hands to other foods, leading to infection if those foods are
consumed without proper cooking or hygiene.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at higher risk because Listeria can
affect the placenta, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness
in newborns.
 EFFECT
•Mild Symptoms: In healthy individuals, listeriosis may cause mild
symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. These
symptoms can appear within a few days or up to several weeks after
consuming contaminated food.
•Severe Infection: In more severe cases, Listeria infection can lead to high
fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. It can also
affect various organs, potentially causing septicemia or meningitis.
•Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women may experience flu-like
symptoms, but Listeria can lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, or serious
infections in newborns
 HOW DO PREVENT LISTERIA
Practice Safe Food Handling:
Wash your hands thoroughly with
soap and water before preparing or
eating food.
Wash raw fruits and vegetables
thoroughly under running water.
Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood
separate from other foods in your
grocery cart, refrigerator, and during
preparation.
Cook Food Thoroughly:
Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to
save internal temperatures.
Use a food thermometer to ensure
proper cooking (e.g., 165°F or 74°C
for poultry).
Avoid High-Risk Foods:
Do not consume unpasteurized
milk or dairy products.
Avoid soft cheeses like feta,
Brie, and Camembert unless
they are made with pasteurized
milk.
Avoid refrigerated pâtés and
meat spreads.
Avoid smoked seafood unless
it's in a cooked dish like a
casserole
Reheat Leftovers Safely:
Heat leftovers to at least 165°F
(74°C) before eating.
Consume refrigerated leftovers
within a few days.Be Cautious
with Deli Meats and Hot Dogs:
If you are in a high-risk group,
consider heating deli meats and
hot dogs until they are
steaming hot before
consumption.
Keep a Clean Kitchen:
Clean countertops, cutting
boards, and utensils with hot,
soapy water after preparing
raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
Regularly clean and sanitize
your refrigerator, especially the
areas where raw and ready-to-
eat foods are stored.