Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which can be found in dairy products, vegetables, fish and meat products. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes can grow in foods stored in the fridge. These bacteria can be spread by contact with infected hands or counter tops during food preparation. Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness. It can sometimes lead to death.
Those most susceptible to Listeriosis are: newborns pregnant women. If Listeriosis develops in the first trimester of pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage. If developed later in pregnancy it can cause the baby to be stillborn or dangerously ill. the elderly people with weak immune systems
Symptoms of Listeriosis usually appear within three to 30 days of eating food contaminated with Listeria, however it can take as long as 70 days for symptoms to appear. The average incubation period is three weeks.
In adults, the symptoms of Listeriosis are much like those of the flu, including: nausea and vomitingcrampsdiarrheasevere headacheconstipationfever
In babies, the symptoms of Listeriosis include loss of appetitelethargyjaundicevomitingrashdifficulty breathing
A blood or spinal fluid test is used to determine Listeriosis.
Antibiotics are used to treat Listeriosis.
To avoid Listeriosis, the following precautions should be taken: Keep your refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Refrigerate food promptly. Thoroughly cook meats and fish. Buy only as much of the food item as will be eaten in one or two days. Do not drink raw, unpasteurized milk and do not eat products made from unpasteurized milk such as raw milk cheese. Be sure soft cheese packages clearly state the cheese is made from pasteurized milk. Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating. Wash hands before, during and after handling any food, especially raw meat and poultry. Clean all utensils, cutting boards and work surfaces with a mild bleach solution before and after using. Separate utensils for raw and cooked foods. Follow all “best before” or expiry dates on packages. pay attention to food recalls from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and throw out any food listed.
Individuals at high risk for Listeriosis - the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems, should also: Thoroughly reheat foods such as hot dogs and deli meats until they are steaming hot. The fluid in hot dog packages may contain more Listeria than the hot dogs, so be sure to avoid spreading it and wash your hands thoroughly. (Note: Dried and salted deli-meats such as salami and pepperoni do not support the growth of Listeria.) Avoid refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads. (Canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads do not support the growth of Listeria.) Avoid refrigerated smoked fish products unless they are thoroughly cooked, in a casserole for example.
Sources: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, U.S. Centers for Disease Control
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