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LISTERIA: POOR HEALTH MAKES YOU VULNERABLE
Listeria has been in the news quite a bit lately, and with the addition of Sabra Hummus, the list of companies putting out recalls for products within the last month has risen to three, including Blue Bell and Stanwood Farms. It’s an all to common occurrence these days, when what seems like every other month there is a new batch of food being recalled because of the deadly bacteria. But what exactly is listeria and what causes these products to become contaminated?
WHAT IS LISTERIA?
Listeria actually refers to a group of 20 different bacterial strains. Of these 20 different strains, the main cause of disease in humans is Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes the disease listeriosis, a somewhat rare, but very serious condition.
There are two forms of listeriosis: non-invasive and invasive listeriosis. With non-invasive listeriosis, the bacteria remains in the intestines and can cause many different symptoms such as headaches, body aches, fever, and diarrhea. Non-invasive listeriosis usually passes in 2-5 days, and most of its symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
Invasive listeriosis, on the other hand, is much more serious. This is when the bacteria move out of the intestines and into the blood stream and central nervous system. Invasive listeriosis can cause sepsis and meningitis, and is treated with antibiotics, rest, and time.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR LISTERIOSIS?
Anyone who comes in contact with listeria is at risk for contracting listeriosis, but those who are already in poor health and have weakened immune systems are especially at risk. These groups include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
HOW DO FOODS BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH LISTERIA?
Listeria is a bacterium, so there are many different ways that it can come in contact with food. It can be improperly stored, for instance, and kept at too warm a temperature for too long a time. It can also be brought on by cross contamination, where an infected piece of meat or food can go across a cutting board or processing machinery and therefore infect all other foods that come in contact with the area until it is cleaned.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LISTERIA
At the beginning of an outbreak, companies always end up publishing the product codes for products that they believe to be affected. They are usually up on company websites or are published by retail stores. Also, any produce or meat that you are about to eat should be washed thoroughly and cooked to the proper temperature. Proper temperatures for meats can be found on the USDA website here.
It’s important, though, to remember that Listeria affects those whom are already in poor health the most. That’s why insuring that your body is able to fight infection and stay healthy is an important goal of any physician, and that’s what we care about most here at Pierre Physician Group. If you’re looking for that extra push to start your healthy lifestyle, click the button below to get in contact with us, and we’ll get you on the right path.
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/04/09/listeria-outbreak-explained/25514583/
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/listeria-article-1.2179578
http://wtvr.com/2015/04/04/blue-bell-shuts-down-plant-after-listeria-find/
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