What is Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a rare but serious disease caused by the bacteria that can survive and grow on certain high risk foods
While it is probably common for people to eat foods contaminated with a small amount of the bacteria, only some people are at risk of becoming sick
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and diarrhoea
Pregnant women generally experience mild symptoms themselves; however infections during the pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or infection of the newborn baby
How is it spread?
L. monocytogenes is commonly found in the environment (such as soil) and some raw foods. Unlike many other bacteria, it can grow in the refrigerator.
How is it prevented?
Try to avoid foods that have a higher risk of contamination such as:
Chilled seafood such as raw oysters, sashimi and sushi, smoked ready-to-eat seafood and cooked ready-to-eat prawns
Cold meats from delicatessen counters and sandwich bars, and packaged, sliced ready-to-eat meats
Cold cooked ready-to-eat chicken (whole, portions, or diced)
Rockmelon
Pre-prepared or pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads, including those from buffets and salad bars
Soft, semi-soft and surface-ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, ricotta, blue and feta
Refrigerated paté or meat spreads
Soft serve ice cream
Unpasteurised dairy products
Source: Department of Health