Listeria Infection (Listeriosis): Who's at Risk and How to Avoid It

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that live in soil and water.

Where it's found

• Raw foods of many kinds.
• Processed foods.
• Foods made from unpasteurized milk.

Unlike most germs, Listeria can grow in the cold of a refrigerator.

Symptoms and treatment

• Symptoms: fever and chills, headache, upset stomach and vomiting.
• Treatment: antibiotics.

Who's most at risk

Anyone can get it, but it most often affects:

• pregnant women and their unborn babies;
• older adults;
• people with weak immune systems.

Lowering your risk

• Eat precooked and ready-to-eat foods as soon as you can.
• Avoid raw milk and products made from it.
• Heat ready-to-eat foods and leftovers until steaming hot.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid rare meat and refrigerated smoked seafood.

Sources

Based on "Listeria Infections," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.