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Aug 2, 2024 · Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. CDC estimates that each year in the United States, 1,600 people are infected with Listeria, and. 260 people die from the infection.
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What are the signs and symptoms of Listeria infection?
Aug 12, 2024 · Every year in the United States, an estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria. More than half of all Listeria infections occur among people 65 years and older. As you get older, your immune system has a harder time recognizing and getting rid of harmful germs, including Listeria .
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If you develop a listeria infection, you might have:
•Fever
•Chills
•Muscle aches
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
If you've eaten a food that's been recalled because of a listeria outbreak, watch for signs or symptoms of illness. If you have a fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea, contact your doctor. The same goes for illness after eating a potentially contaminated product, such as foods made with unpasteurized milk or poorly heated hot dogs or deli meats.
If you have a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sensitivity to light, seek emergency care. These signs and symptoms can indicate bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication of a listeria infection.
Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces. People can get infected by eating the following:
•Raw vegetables that have been contaminated from the soil or from contaminated manure used as fertilizer
•Contaminated meat
•Unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk
•Certain processed foods — such as soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats that have been contaminated after processing
Unborn babies can contract a listeria infection from the mother.
Pregnant women and their babies
Pregnant women are much more susceptible to listeria infections than are other healthy adults. Although a listeria infection might cause only a mild illness in pregnant women, consequences for their babies can include:
People who have weak immune systems
This category includes people who:
Most listeria infections are so mild they can go unnoticed. However, in some cases, a listeria infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including:
•Generalized blood infection
To prevent a listeria infection, follow simple food safety guidelines:
•Keep things clean. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot, soapy water to wash the utensils, cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces.
•Scrub raw vegetables. Clean raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under plenty of running water.
•Cook your food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure your meat, poultry and egg dishes are cooked to a safe temperature.
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Feb 20, 2018 · It is a relatively rare disease with 0.1 to 10 cases per 1 million people per year depending on the countries and regions of the world. Although the number of cases of listeriosis is small, the high rate of death associated with this infection makes it a significant public health concern.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die.
Aug 8, 2024 · Approximately 1,600 people in the United States develop serious listeria infections, known as listeriosis, every year — and about 260 of those infections are fatal, said Laura Gieraltowski,...
Jul 18, 2024 · Signs and symptoms of Listeria infection vary depending on the person infected and the part of the body affected. The bacteria are most likely to sicken people who are pregnant and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.
