Listeria Infections

Summary

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria found in soil and water. It can be in a variety of raw foods as well as in processed foods and foods made from unpasteurized milk. Listeria is unlike many other germs because it can grow even in the cold temperature of the refrigerator.

Symptoms include fever and chills, headache, upset stomach and vomiting. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Anyone can get the illness. But it is most likely to affect pregnant women and unborn babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. To reduce your risk:

• Use precooked and ready-to-eat foods as soon as you can
• Avoid raw milk and raw milk products
• Heat ready-to-eat foods and leftovers until they are steaming hot
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables
• Avoid rare meat and refrigerated smoked seafood

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Find an Expert

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Listeria Infections National Institutes of Health

Start Here

• Listeria (Listeriosis) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Diagnosis and Tests

• Listeria (Listeriosis) Diagnosis and Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms

• Listeria (Listeriosis) Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Women

• Listeria and Pregnancy American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Listeria from Food Safety for Moms to Be Food and Drug Administration
• Listeriosis and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists

Children

• Listeria Infections (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Patient Handouts

• Listeriosis Medical Encyclopedia

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Prevent Listeria (Listeriosis) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• What You Need to Know About Preventing Listeria Infections Food and Drug Administration

Journal Articles

• Listeria Infections