Here’s what you need to know about all Listeria outbreaks – and which foods are affected

You’ve probably heard about the recent Listeria-related recalls. Here’s what you need to know.

You’re not imagining it: Listeria outbreaks have been on the rise in recent weeks. Listeriosis sickened more than 30 people in 13 states in the last few weeks and two deaths were reported. Affected products include cold meats and different varieties of bagged products.

An estimated 1,600 people contract listeriosis every year, according to the CDC, and around 260 die as a result of the infection. Here’s what you need to know about listeriosis — and how to avoid infection:

What is Listeria?

Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating food contaminated by a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenesaccording to the USDA. Cases are usually mild but can be fatal – they are particularly dangerous for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems or people over 65.

Listeria It occurs naturally in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and the intestinal tracts of animals. It becomes a problem for humans during the food production and manufacturing process when food is packaged or handled inappropriately.

Unlike other foodborne bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures (40 degrees F and below). This means that the longer ListeriaThe more contaminated products are stored in the refrigerator, the longer the bacteria have to multiply.

High-risk foods

These foods present a greater than normal risk of containing Listeria, according to the FDA:

• Products made with raw or unpasteurized dairy products (such as soft cheeses, milk, or ice cream)

• Refrigerated and unheated delicatessen

• Raw or undercooked hot dogs

• Chilled smoked seafood or raw seafood

• Boiled or raw eggs

• Raw or lightly cooked sprouts

Listeriosis symptoms

There is no hard and fast rule about when listeriosis symptoms develop. You may start to feel unwell just a few hours after eating contaminated food, or you may not get sick until a few days later. Here are some common symptoms:

• Fever and chills

• Muscle aches

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

In more serious cases, listeriosis can affect the nervous system. If this happens, a sick person may experience:

How to prevent listeriosis

People or caregivers at risk can take steps to prevent Listeria infection. For example:

• Practice well food safety habits. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before, during and after the cooking process is one of the best ways to prevent foodborne illnesses. It is equally important to wash kitchen utensils, such as knives and cutting boards, after working with high-risk foods. Of course, you should clean and sanitize your refrigerator and countertops regularly (and immediately after discovering a recalled product in your kitchen).

• Fully cook your delicious meat. High-risk consumers may opt for a grilled sandwich rather than a cold sandwich, and should always make sure their hot dogs are cooked until steamed before eating.

• Pay attention to recalls. When there is a recall, the FDA typically sends out a press release announcing the affected products and the states in which they were sold. Media outlets such as Allrecipes will report recalls. If you notice that a product you have at home has been affected, throw it away immediately. You can also consult the registry of Listeriarelated recalls the CDC maintains on its website.

What to do if you get listeriosis

If you suspect you may have listeriosis or have eaten something that may be contaminated, the first thing you should do is call your doctor.

People with mild cases may just need to drink plenty of fluids and stay near the bathroom for a few days, but keeping an eye out for symptoms (and contacting your doctor) is extremely important — a mild infection can become life-threatening. emergency quickly, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

Read the original article at All recipes.