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What Is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by a type of bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes. The infection can affect anyone, but those most at risk include newborns, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The infection can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses, including meningitis, sepsis and fetal loss in pregnant women.
How to Prevent Listeriosis
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from listeriosis. Here are some tips for listeriosis prevention to keep yourself and your family safe:
Clean
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them.
- Wash hands and surfaces often with warm, soapy water.
- Keep uncooked meats and vegetables separate.
Cook
- Cook food to the appropriate internal temperature.
- Consume cooked food immediately or store it in the refrigerator.
- Do not taste any food that may appear to be spoiled.
Avoid
- Avoid eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Do not eat food that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 3-4 days.
- Discard any food that has been prepared or stored improperly.
When to Seek Treatment for Listeriosis?
If you have been exposed to Listeria monocytogenes or have eaten contaminated food, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can diagnose listeriosis through blood or spinal fluid tests and may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
It is also important to take precautions to avoid further contamination and spread of the infection, including carefully washing foods, being extra cautious when preparing food and refraining from eating any food that appears spoiled.
By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can help prevent listeriosis and keep yourself and your family safe.