Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. Unlike other types of pathogens, it can persist even in cold temperatures even that of the refrigerator. Cooking food to proper temperatures and pasteurization are known methods of killing Listeria.
People are not usually affected by Listeria except those with weakened immune systems. People who are typically affected by Listeria are babies, pregnant women, elderly and sickly people. In some severe cases, Listeria can result to death.
However, one can avoid Listeria through the food safety recommendations stated above. Should you be tasked in handling or serving food, obtaining a food safety certification or food safety training can educate you on how you can prevent the spread of Listeria as well.
Sources of Listeria
Listeria is a naturally occurring bacterium in water, soil and animals like poultry and cattle. Often times, the bacterium is present in deli meats and hot dogs, meat spreads and its varieties; raw milk and dairy; cheese made from unpasteurized milk; bean sprouts and seafood. Recent outbreaks in the United States are traced back to ricotta cheese imports from an Italy brand and cantaloupes from a farm in Colorado.
Identifying Listeria
The incubation period for Listeria is often two to six weeks, though this may be variable depending on the health of the person. Sometimes, Listeria incubates within the body from three to 70 days. For an accurate diagnosis, a stool sample may be requested from the afflicted people exposed to the same epidemiologically implicated food.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
People who are infected with Listeria experience muscle aches, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and a fever. Stiff neck, headaches, disorientation, convulsions and loss of balance may result when the illness has spread to a person’s nervous system.
Mild, flu-like symptoms only manifest among pregnant women afflicted with Listeriosis. Almost asymptomatic, the illness may however lead to premature delivery, the spread of the illness from mother to newborn and unfortunately, stillbirths. When expectant mothers are already experiencing fever or stiff neck, they should immediately consult with their doctor and have the illness diagnoses through a blood or spinal fluid test.
What can be done?
Those who are having a fever or stiff neck should check with a physician as soon as possible. Prescribing antibiotics to afflicted individuals can promptly address the spread of the infection and the symptoms associated with Listeria.
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http://www.learn2serve.com/blog/listeria-foodborne-pathogen-risks/
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