Listeria: What Floridians Need To Know

Photo: As Listeria-prompted food recalls continue across the country and in Florida, the state Department of Health has taken time out to offer insights on the bacteria and the illness it may cause. Image via Shutterstock

TAMPA, FL — As suspected Listeria monocytogenes contamination continues to prompt food manufacturers to recall products across the country, the Florida Department of Health has offered some insights Tampa Bay area residents need to know to help keep themselves and their families safe.

Listeria is a bacteria that is commonly found in water and soil, Mara Gambineri, the department’s communication director, told Patch. It can be carried by animals without them appearing ill and can contaminate foods of animal origin, such as dairy products and meats. Consumption of foods contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes can lead to a serious infection called Listeriosis, Gambineri said.

“Listeriosis affects people in different ways, in older adults with immunocompromising conditions it manifests as septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis,” she said. “In otherwise healthy individuals who are exposed to a food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, they may experience a fever and gastrointestinal symptoms that resolves or have no symptoms at all.”

Patch asked Gambineri a few other questions about the infection and how people can protect themselves from it. Here are her answers:

What are the other symptoms?

Pregnant women typically experience fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and aches. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

People other than pregnant women: Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches

How do people get Listeriosis?

Consuming food contaminated with Listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy

When should people seek medical help?

Pregnant women, older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems should seek medical attention when they experience fever and other non-specific symptoms. (People who have) eaten a food contaminated with Listeria and do NOT have symptoms do not need to seek medical attention.

Can cooking foods kill the bacteria?

Listeria are killed by cooking and pasteurization. However, in some ready-to-eat meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats, contamination may occur after factory cooking but before packaging or even at the deli counter.

What steps can people take to avoid contracting Listeriosis?

Individuals should follow the general recommendations for food handling including clean, separate, cook and chill.

See Also:

• Publix Issues Listeria-Prompted Recall
• Listeria Recall Expands: More Trader Joe’s Items Included
• Frozen Vegetable Recall Now Includes Walmart Brand, Others

Listeria-prompted recalls have been making headlines across the country. Last week, a Washington-based company issued a recall of frozen vegetables and fruits that has impacted more than 40 brands sold by such retailers as Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Lakeland-based Publix has also issued several Listeria-prompted recalls in the past week or so.

For more information about Listeriosis, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online.