What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
People with listeriosis may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- If it spreads to the nervous system, headaches, stiff neck, or confusion may occur
What causes listeriosis?
Listeriosis is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. This can happen when:
- Food is not cooked, processed, or stored properly
- Ready-to-eat foods, like deli meats or soft cheeses, are consumed
How common are listeriosis infections?
Listeriosis is relatively rare compared to other foodborne infections. It mainly affects certain groups that are at higher risk of severe illness.
Who is more likely to get listeriosis?
People who are more likely to get listeriosis include:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or cancer
How can I treat listeriosis?
Most people with listeriosis will need treatment with antibiotics, especially if they have severe symptoms. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications.
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How to prevent listeriosis?
To help prevent listeriosis, you can:
- Wash your hands before cooking or eating
- Cook food thoroughly
- Avoid unpasteurised dairy products
- Store food properly in the fridge
- Check expiration dates on packaged foods
How quickly can I recover from listeriosis?
Most healthy people recover from listeriosis in about a week with the right treatment. However, recovery might take longer for those with weakened immune systems.
What’s the outlook for listeriosis?
With timely treatment, most people recover well from listeriosis. However, it can be serious for those in vulnerable groups.
Final thoughts
Listeriosis is a serious infection mainly caused by contaminated food. If you have concerns or symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
