What is Listeria?
Listeria, also known as listeriosis, is a food-borne disease caused by the bacterium L. monocytogenes. It can make you very sick. Listeria may spread from processing plants to food products, and can spread from food to refrigerator shelves and countertops.
Listeria can be found in common foods including:
Hot dogs, sausage, frankfurters
Sliced deli meats (for example, ham, pepperoni, bologna)
Unpasteurized or raw milk products, like milk or cheese
Fruits like melons and vegetables like sprouts
Who is more at risk?
Pregnant people and their developing babies, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk of getting very sick.
In pregnant persons, Listeria can cause fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and other severe pregnancy and birth-related complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. It can also lead to death in newborns if not treated right away.
In non-pregnant persons, Listeria cause severe headache, stiff neck, and fever.
Symptoms of Listeria
Fever
Chills
Headache
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Nausea
Confusion
Symptoms in Newborns
Fever
Vomiting
Constant crying
Trouble breathing
Reduced appetite or no interest in eating
It can take up to 10 weeks to show symptoms.
What you can do to avoid Listeria
Do not eat recalled products! Check for recalled products here: www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls
If you are pregnant, 65 and older, or you have a weakened immune system avoid sliced deli meats. If you do eat deli meat, it must be heated to 165 degrees or until steaming hot
Clean and sanitize surfaces that have touched sliced deli meats or milk products
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of listeria
Learn more about listeria here: cdc.gov/listeria/causes