Certain People Are at High Risk
Healthy people who get listeriosis usually have only mild illness, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. The people at highest risk for serious, potentially deadly illness from listeriosis, such as bacteremia or meningitis, are newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems, such as those on steroids for any reason and people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or AIDS. Pregnant women who get listeriosis are usually only mildly ill, but the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection in the baby.How it is Spread
Listeriosis is spread through contaminated food. Ready-to-eat food, such as hot dogs and lunch meats, are often a source. In 2002, a listeriosis outbreak from contaminated turkey meat resulted in 46 illnesses, 7 deaths, and 3 stillbirths or miscarriages in eight U.S. states. Research in 2003 concluded that cases of listeriosis are not isolated, as once thought -- they occur in geographic clusters at about the same time. Researchers suggested that when a few cases occur, public health officials should look for more cases in the area.How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family
The U.S. government has a food safety program called Fight BAC! Consumers should follow the four simple steps of the program:- Clean: Wash hands, knives, cutting boards, dishes, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing food.
- Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from vegetables, fruits, breads, and other food already prepared for eating. Keep the liquid from hot dog packages away, too.
- Cook: Thoroughly cook food. Hot dogs should be steaming hot.
- Chill: Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within 2 hours.
Sources:
"Listeriosis." Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases. 12 Oct 2005. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2 Sep 2007.
"Listeriosis and Pregnancy: What is Your Risk?" Foodborne Illness and Disease. Sep 2001. US Department of Agriculture. 2 Sep 2007.
