Listeriosis, a serious
infection caused by eating
food contaminated with the bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes, has recently been recognized as an important public health problem in the United States. The disease affects primarily pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened
immune systems.
A person with listeriosis may have fever,
muscle aches, and sometimes gastrintestinal symptoms such as
nausea or
diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as
headache, stiff neck, confusion,
loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
See Also
- Infections
- Contaminated Chicken Products: Overview
- Listeria
- Remicade / Infliximab