Smileband health topics

Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. In adults, invasive disease manifests most commonly as meningitis or bacteremia; infection during pregnancy may result in fetal loss, neonatal meningitis or bacteremia. Infections in healthy persons may appear as self-limiting diarrheal illness or mild flu-like illness.

 

Listeria tends to multiply in refrigerated foods that have been contaminated. Foods implicated in outbreaks include unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, deli meats, prepared meats like hot dogs, and raw fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe.

 

In Arizona on average there are 10 cases reported each year.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 6 cases

 

Transmission

Listeria can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated foods or through contact with infected animals or birds. Person-to-person transmission has also been reported in nosocomial outbreaks. Transmission may occur from mother to child or during delivery.

Incubation period is typically 2 to 3 weeks.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Culture	CSF, Blood,  Amniotic Fluid,  Placenta, Meconium, Vaginal Secretions, Respiratory, Skin,  Mucous Swab, or Stool

 Isolation Precautions

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients
The guidelines recommended for the prevention of listeriosis are similar to those used for other foodborne illnesses.

• Wash hands, knives, countertops, and cutting boards after handling and preparing uncooked foods.
• Be aware that Listeria monocytogenes can grow in foods in the refrigerator. Use an appliance thermometer, such as a refrigerator thermometer, to check the temperature inside your refrigerator. The refrigerator should be 40°F or lower and the freezer 0°F or lower.
• Clean up all spills in your refrigerator right away–especially juices from hot dog and lunch meat packages, raw meat, and raw poultry.
• Clean the inside walls and shelves of your refrigerator with hot water and liquid soap, then rinse.

Thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources, such as beef, pork, or poultry to a safe internal temperature. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

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