Recently, several nationwide food recalls and a multi-state outbreak attributed to hot dogs and deli meats has heightened the public's awareness and generated some questions about listeriosis. Listeriosis is a serious foodborne illness that can occur when food contaminated with the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, is consumed. Although there are several species of Listeria, only L. monocytogenes is thought to be of particular danger to humans. In healthy individuals, symptoms may be inapparent or can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Nervous system involvement usually manifests itself by headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.
Death can occur.
Nationally, people over 60 and newborns have the highest incidence of listeriosis. Pregnant women, in particular, are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis. Maternal infection during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or stillbirth. Listeriosis is treatable with antibiotics, usually penicillin, ampicillin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. If diagnosed during pregnancy, antibiotic treatment may prevent fetal or perinatal infection and its sequelae.