how does listeria infect humans
In fact, according to the CDC, Listeria infections cause 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths each year in the United States. Causes. A Listeria infection is typically caused by eating contaminated foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. The bacteria live naturally in soil and water in the environment, and it is possible for vegetables to become contaminated by Listeria when growing in contaminated soil, or when manure is used a fertilizer, Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City told Live Science.