Listeria Disease
Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by ingestion of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and is a major public health problem in the United States. Every year 1600 people are infected and 260 of them die.
Infection
Listeria monocytogenes are often found in soil and water. Animals can carry the bacteria without getting sick, but food from meat and dairy products can be contaminated. Infection is transmitted to humans by ingesting contaminated food. Babies may be born with Listeriosis if their mothers have consumed contaminated food during pregnancy. Rarely, hospital-acquired transmission of neonates has been reported.
There are many microbes that are transmitted through food. Some of them, like Listeria, can be lethal.
symptoms
People with listeriosis usually have fever and muscle pains, and sometimes diarrhea or gastrointestinal symptoms. In almost every diagnosed patient, bacteria spread to the digestive tract. Symptoms vary according to the infected person:
Pregnant women: Typically, fever occurs, other nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and pain may accompany. However, exposure to bacteria during pregnancy; abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth or newborn life-threatening infections.
People other than pregnant: In addition to fever and muscle pain; Headache, stiff neck, blurred consciousness, loss of balance and convulsions may occur.
Listeriosis can occur in different ways. Septicemia and meningitis are the most common clinical conditions in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. People with immune system problems may develop acute febrile gastroenteritis or have no symptoms.
Some cases result in death even if treatment is initiated immediately. This is especially true for older people and risk groups with serious health problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment is very important. According to the patient's clinic, definitive diagnosis is made by the growth of bacteria in CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) or blood cultures. Effective antibiotics are used in the treatment. If no symptoms have appeared in a person who has consumed contaminated food, most experts believe that no testing or treatment is needed.
Risk for passengers
Listeriosis can be seen anywhere in the world. The disease is primarily related to the elderly (58%), pregnant women (approximately 1/7 of the cases (14%)), newborns and adults with weakened immune systems (such as cancer, liver and kidney failure, diabetes, alcoholism, AIDS, immunosuppressive treatment). effects. However, it may rarely affect people who are not in the risk group.
Protection
Listeria can survive for years in contaminated food products in food processing factories. Bacterium; uncooked meats and vegetables, non-pasteurized milk and dairy products, cream cheese, processed meats (ready to eat) and smoked fish.
Listeria can be killed by pasteurization and cooking. However, contamination may occur in some processed meats such as hot dogs and delicatessens before packaging. Although pasteurized milk is used, as in Mexican cheeses, it can still be transmitted during the cheese making phase.
The risk of disease can be reduced by recommending safe preparation, consumption and storage of food. The recommended general rules for the prevention of listeriosis are similar to those used in the prevention of other foodborne diseases such as salmonellosis. In addition, there are special recommendations for people in the high-risk group for Listeriosis.
Advice for the prevention of foodborne diseases:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If water and soap are not available, use alcohol-based hand disinfectants,
Avoid consumption of risky foods and beverages,
Drinking water should be either in safe sealed packages or boiled before drinking. The carbonated ones of closed waters are safer than the ones that are not carbonated. Do not use in your drinks unless the ice is prepared with closed water or if it is not known how to prepare it. Your food should be fresh and very well cooked.
Do not buy food or drink from street vendors. Many travelers become ill with food from street vendors.
Do not consume fruits and vegetables without washing or peeling. Especially salad material vegetables should be washed very well with clean water (BOIL, COOK, SOY OR FORGOT).
FDA recommendations on food washing and use:
Rinse thoroughly under running tap water before cutting, cooking and eating raw products such as fruits and vegetables. The product should be washed before peeling off.
Hard products such as melon, cucumber should be brushed with a clean brush.
Dry the products with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Separate prepared foods and cooked foods from vegetables, uncooked meat and poultry.
Keep your kitchen and environment clean and safe.
After preparing and using uncooked food, wash the cutting boards, benches, knives and hands.
Unlike many bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes continue to grow and multiply in some refrigerated foods. The refrigerator must be at zero or lower temperature.
Immediately clean the food spilled in your refrigerator with hot water and liquid soap and rinse.
Thoroughly cook food of animal origin (such as meat, milk).
Do not drink non-pasteurized or raw milk and do not eat foods made from these milk.
Take care to buy and consume safe foods.
Trip Return Recommendations
If you are feeling sick, especially if you have fever, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, contact your doctor or health care provider immediately.
Be sure to tell your doctor about your trip.
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