What Is Listeria?

Listeria Monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis. The recent outbreak involves cantaloupe from Colorado, which is linked to at least 16 deaths.

According to the CDC, the disease affects primarily older adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.

SYMPTOMS

1. Pregnant women experience mild, flu-like symptoms.
   
2. Others experience fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and possibly convulsions.

You can get listeriosis by eating listeria contaminated food. You can reduce your risks of being infected with listeria by

• Thoroughly cooking raw food from animal sources
• Rinse raw vegetables and the skins of fruits under running tap water
• Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, fruits and cooked foods and ready to eat foods
• Don't drink raw unpasteurized milk or dairy products
• Wash hands and utensils before handling uncooked foods
• Consume perishable foods as soon as possible.

Be aware the listeria can grow in foods in your refrigerator. The refrigerator should be kept 40 F or lower, and your freezer at 0 F or lower.

If you have a fever, muscle aches or stiff neck while feeling sick, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Antibiotics can cure the illness. However, death can still occur especially with older adults, and in people with other serious medical conditions.

Charles