A listeriosis infection is caused by consuming contaminated foods that contain a bacteria labeled as listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis symptoms can in some cases become dangerous and even sometimes life-threatening. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis infections have become a major health care issue in the United States.
What Causes Listeriosis Infections
In order to prevent this bacterial disease, it’s essential that awareness is raised and individuals understand what causes a listeriosis infection. The bacteria known as L. monocytogenes is commonly carried through wild or domestic animals, water and soil. Additionally, the bacteria can spread to meats and vegetables, as the soil and water which contains this bacteria can easily transfer to these types of foods.
For those who consume these contaminated foods, it is likely that they may become ill. Pregnant women are at an increased risk, as the listeriosis infection is more likely to attack the health of women who are pregnant due to their immune systems being weakened. This can also be dangerous for the unborn child as well, as the disease can sometimes pass through to the baby.
Symptoms of Listeriosis Bacterial Infection
In most cases, this type of listeriosis bacterial infection causes individuals to become sick with a gastrointestinal illness. However, in some cases, individuals may also develop an infection in the blood (referred to as septicemia). Additionally, in even more serious cases, individuals can also develop inflammation around the brain, which leads to meningitis.
How to Reduce the Risk of Getting Listeriosis
Overall, in order to reduce the risk of getting listeriosis, individuals must be extra careful about handling and consuming raw foods. It’s essential that people cook their pork, beef and poultry thoroughly. It’s also best that individuals make sure they wash their vegetables very well, before serving or eating them. People should be sure to use a good antibacterial soap to wash their knives, plates and all utensils used to cook and prepare foods. Lastly, individuals should always wash their hands immediately after each time they touch these types of foods or anything possibly contaminated.
There have been recurring outbreaks of listeriosis infections throughout the United States. In order to reduce the risk of getting listeriosis, individuals should consider the sources that carry this dangerous bacteria and always be extra safe when handling any foods that have a chance of being contaminated.
