Where is Listeria Monocytogenes found?Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water. Many animals carry the bacteria without knowing it. This can contaminate the food that comes from that animal. This bacteria can live for years, contaminating all that is around it. It can grow and multiply into vast amounts.
What is Listeriosis?Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food that is contaminated by the bacteria, Listeria Monocytogenes.
Who is it affecting?This affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems.
Why is preventing Listeria Monocytogenes important?- Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely to get listeriosis.
- About 17% cases of listeriosis happens during pregnancy. - Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy. What are the symptoms?- Fever
- Muscle aches - Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms - Headache - Stiff neck - Confusion - Loss of balance |