Amid Listeria Outbreak In United States and Canada, Know How You Can Prevent The Infection

Listeria is a deadly infection, which can cause severe health issues and even death. Pregnant women and elderly people should be cautious.

The United States of America and Canada have been, for the past many months, dealing with the outbreak of 'listeria', which is a deadly infection caused by eating any food item that is contaminated by the bacteria 'listeria monocytogenes'. News reports suggest there has been a recall of many foods -- mostly vegetables and deli meat -- in both these countries as a result of the outbreak that has also led to a few deaths and many hospitalisations. Read on to find out more about this infection, and how you can prevent it.

What Is Listeria?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is a bacteria which, as mentioned earlier, can contaminate foods. When a person consumes contaminated food, they get infected with listeria, and this infection is known as 'listeriosis'.

Is Listeria Serious?

Yes, it is a serious and deadly infection. The CDC states that listeria may be the 'third leading cause of death' from 'foodborne illness' in the US.

What Are The Symptoms Of Listeria?

The symptoms of listeria may vary and depend on which part of the body the bacteria has affected. According to the CDC, when listeria causes an intestinal illness, it is mild in nature. But, when the listeria bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, it becomes an 'invasive infection', whose symptoms begin within 2 weeks of eating any food that has been contaminated with listeria. It can threaten the health and well-being of a person. In pregnant women, the symptoms are severe, with fever, flu-like symptoms, pain in the muscles, and fatigue.

The CDC warns that bacteria may mostly affect people severely when they are pregnant (along with their newborns), are adults aged 65 or older, or if they have weak immunity.

In people who are not pregnant, the following symptoms are seen:

• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Stiffness in the neck
• Headache and confusion
• Seizures
• Loss of balance

Prevention Of Listeria

If you are living in an area where there has already been an outbreak, stay away from foods that are likely to be contaminated with listeria, in order to protect your health. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listeriosis outbreaks in the US have, in the past, been linked to the consumption of 'raw, unpasteurised milks and cheeses, raw or processed vegetables, raw or processed fruits, ice cream, raw or undercooked poultry, sausages and hot dogs, deli meats, and raw or smoked fish and other seafood'.

Avoid eating these foods. Clean your hands before and after handling foods, and wash them especially before eating. Make sure that your refrigerator and cooking area -- that comprises chopping boards, countertops and utensils -- are clean.

Contact your local healthcare provider if you begin to notice some symptoms.