There are listeria germs almost everywhere. They can be found in dust, dirt, and even water. The majority of listeria species don't cause any issues for individuals. Listeria monocytogenes is the kind of Listeria that harms people the most. When we ingest contaminated foods, it frequently enters our bodies.
Most germs cannot thrive at refrigerated temperatures, but Listeria can. While Listeria monocytogenes may be present in non-threatening levels in many foods, the bacteria's resistance to cold temperatures may allow tiny communities to spread and grow into colonies large enough to result in disease or a serious infection.
It's crucial to consume meals as quickly as possible after removing them from the refrigerator and to refrigerate them as soon as possible. Please continue reading to learn more about Listeriosis, its symptoms, causes, and more.
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What is Listeria?
A foodborne ailment is Listeriosis. Listeriosis is brought on by the germ Listeria monocytogenes. Natural environments often contain Listeria monocytogenes, particularly in the soil, groundwater, decaying plants, and animal feces (poop). Eating contaminated food is the reason why most individuals develop Listeriosis. The duration varies between when you become infected with Listeriosis and when people first develop symptoms (the incubation period).
Although it often takes one to two weeks, it might take as little as a few days or as much as three months. The bacterium L. monocytogenes is the source of the foodborne sickness listeriosis. Fever, chills, and headaches are among the signs. The danger of developing a serious illness is greater among pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Antibiotics may be used in treatment. Cleaning and cooking your food ultimately might help you from contracting listeriosis.
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What are the Causes of Listeria?
Listeria, a bacterium frequently found in water, soil, and feces, causes Listeriosis. When people eat items that contain the bacterium, they get contaminated. Delicate meats and raw dairy are the items that spread Listeriosis the most frequently. However, numerous other foods, such as caramel apples, cantaloupe, and cabbages fertilized with sheep dung, have also been discovered to cause outbreaks. Adults with strong immune systems and good health are less likely to get Listeriosis. The following factors raise the possibility of contracting Listeria:
- Age more than 65.
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS.
- Renal illness already present.
- Chemotherapy.
- Cirrhosis.
- Diabetes.
- Surgically removed spleen
- Immunosuppressant medications and rheumatoid arthritis medications.
What are the Symptoms of Listeria?
The incubation period for Listeriosis varies and can range from 11 to 70 days after ingesting food contaminated with Listeria. Thus, the early symptoms may not show up for some time. The following listeria infection symptoms are likely to persist for one to three days:
A Listeria infection will frequently go unreported by most individuals. The infection may, however, progress to the neurological system in certain people, when symptoms like the following may appear:
- Headache.
- Confusion.
- Stiff neck.
- convulsions and trembling.
- Loss of balance
In vulnerable people, Listeriosis can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain, or septicemia, a dangerous blood infection. The consequences of listeriosis infection spreading to the brain can be serious and include:
- Cerebral nerve palsies: Tremors and paralysis.
- Encephalitis: Brain inflammation.
- Meningitis: An infection that affects the brain and spinal cord membranes.
- Meningitis and encephalitis are combined to form meningoencephalitis.
- Cerebral abscess: Localized pus accumulation within the brain is known as a.
- pregnancy symptoms or newborn baby symptoms
Symptoms of Listeria in newborns or during pregnancy.
The prevalence of Listeriosis in pregnant women is ten times higher than in the general population. Comparatively, the prevalence of Listeriosis in the general population is 0.7 per 100,000, but 12 per 100,000 among pregnant women. Even though a pregnant parent with a Listeria infection may not exhibit overt signs, an unborn fetus may suffer significant consequences. Premature birth or miscarriage are two outcomes of Listeriosis. A newborn can survive the first few days and weeks of life with a life-threatening infection. A newborn child's symptoms might be mild. However, they could include:
- Irritability.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
- Lack of interest in feeding.
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How can you prevent Listeria?
Since Listeria is rare, there are several strategies to lower the risk of contracting the disease; these precautions are particularly crucial during pregnancy:
- Cleanliness: Wash your hands in warm, soapy water before making meals. Clean your work surfaces and utensils in the same way.
- Raw Vegetables: Use a brush and warm water to clean.
- Cook thoroughly: Ensure egg and meat dishes are heated thoroughly and throughout.
- Cheese: Avoid soft cheeses like brie, camembert, feta, and blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican-style cheeses like panela, queso fresco, and queso blanco unless the product's label expressly states that it was prepared using pasteurized milk.
- Meat: Avoid eating cold meats, particularly deli meats and hot dogs, unless they
Have been thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Also Read: Can I eat Pineapple while Pregnant?
What are the risks of Listeria?
The risk of developing a listeria infection is greater in pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women.
Compared to other healthy individuals, pregnant women are substantially more vulnerable to listeria infections. While a listeria infection may merely give pregnant women a minor sickness, the following outcomes for their unborn children might occur:
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
- Birth before term.
- A postnatal infection that might be lethal.
- Those with lower immune systems.
It also includes people who are:
- Are above 65 years old.
- People with AIDS.
- Undergoing chemotherapy.
- Have a renal or diabetic illness.
- Prednisone at high dosage or specific rheumatoid arthritis medications.
- Taking Medications should prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ.
What is the treatment for Listeria?
The impact of the symptoms and general state of health will determine how you are treated for Listeriosis. Treatment may not be required if the signs are minor and the rest of your health is excellent. Your doctor may advise you to stay home and take care of yourself with frequent follow-ups. Like any other foodborne infection, Listeriosis may be treated at home. Home remedies for a minor illness include:
- If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, drink water and other clear liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- Use paracetamol (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) as over-the-counter pain relievers to treat body pains and fever.
- Eat meals that are simple to process as you recuperate. Rice, Bananas, apple sauce, and bread are a few of these. Limit spicy foods, alcohol, dairy products, and meat.
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Conclusion
A bacterial infection called Listeriosis is quite rare. Pregnant women, fetuses, newborns, persons 65 years of age and older, and those who exhibit signs of a weaker immune system may have catastrophic consequences. If you have a strong immune system, you'll likely start feeling better within a few days without medication. If you have any symptoms of listeria, get in touch with our doctor straight away. It's also recommended to speak with our healthcare professional because Listeria has a period of incubation that can last up to a few months. Wash your hands frequently, prepare meat to a safe temperature, and clean fruits and vegetables to help avoid the illness of Listeriosis.
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