Listeria Food Poisoning

Posted on: November 7, 2016 Food Poisoning Lawyer

Listeriosis food poisoningListeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems are primarily at risk of being affected by listeriosis.

Listeria Side Effects

Symptoms of listeriosis can begin to appear within 9-48 hours of eating the contaminated food, while the more invasive infection may not appear for 2-6 weeks. The invasive infection occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms and length of illness vary from person to person but may include: fever, muscle aches, and nausea or diarrhea. Pregnant women may have mild flu-like illness, and infection can lead to premature delivery or stillbirth. The elderly or immunocompromised patients may develop bacteremia or meningitis. Food sources of potential listeriosis outbreaks may include unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk, ready-to-eat deli meats.

How is Listeria Treated?

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. People in a higher risk category (pregnant woman, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems) who experience fever and fatigue with aches within 2 months of eating contaminated food should seek medical attention and notify the doctor of the consumption of the contaminated food.

Listeria Prevention

In order to prevent listeria contamination of food, be sure to rinse raw produce, such as fruits and vegetables, thoroughly under running tap water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Even if the produce will be peeled, it should still be washed first. Also, wash hands, knives, countertops, and cutting boards after handling and preparing uncooked foods.

Listeria Recalls, Alerts, and News

    Were You Affected by Listeria?

    If you or a loved one has experienced Listeria food poisoning call the food poisoning lawyers at Feeney Law Firm.Go to our food poisoning page to learn more or call us today for your free consultation.

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