LISTERIOSIS

1. Causes: Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces. Humans
typically are infected by consuming raw vegetables that have been contaminated
from the soil or from contaminated manure used as fertilizer, infected animal
meat, unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk and certain
processed foods such as soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats that have
been contaminated after processing.
2. Symptoms: If you develop a listeria infection, you may experience fever, muscle
aches, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin a few days after you've eaten
contaminated food, but it may take as long as two months before the first signs
and symptoms of infection begin. If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous
system, signs and symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion or
changes in alertness loss of balance and convulsions
3. How is it spread: Listeria can be spread by several different methods. Ingestion
(food-borne transmission) of the organism, such as through unpasteurized milk
or contaminated vegetables, is often a source of cases. In newborn infections,
the organism may be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or
directly to the newborn at the time of birth. Direct contact with the organism can
cause lesions on the skin.

4. Foods commonly linked: Ready-to-eat deli meats and hot dogs Refrigerated
pts or meat spreads Unpasteurized (raw) milk and dairy products Soft cheese
made with unpasteurized milk, such as queso fresco, Feta, Brie, Camembert
Refrigerated smoked seafood Raw sprouts

5. How long before you notice you have it: Listeriosis has an extremely variable
incubation period. It can range from 3 to 70 days, but symptoms usually appear
within a month.
6. Measures to prevent: Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk, and do not eat foods
that have unpasteurized milk in them. Wash hands, knives, countertops, and cutting
boards after handling and preparing uncooked foods. Keep uncooked meats, poultry,
and seafood separate from vegetables, fruits, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods.