About Listeria Infection (original) (raw)

• Listeria are bacteria (germs) that can contaminate many foods.
• People who eat those foods can get infected with the bacteria.
• Listeria infection is rare, but serious.
• The good news is that you can take steps to prevent infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the person infected and the part of the body affected.

Two kinds of illness

Listeria can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness. Learn about each kind of illness, including common symptoms and when to talk to your healthcare provider.

People at risk

Listeria infection can be especially harmful for some people, including

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• Adults aged 65 or older
• People with weakened immune systems

Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

Quick facts

Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.

CDC estimates that each year in the United States,

• 1,600 people are infected with Listeria, and
• 260 people die from the infection.

Diagnosis

Listeria infection is usually diagnosed when a laboratory test grows Listeria from a sample of an ill person's body fluid or tissue.

Treatment

Treatment varies based on the kind of illness and its severity.

Fluids

People with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is not having enough water in the body.

Antibiotics

Invasive illness: People with an invasive illness are treated with antibiotics.

Intestinal illness: Most people recover from an intestinal illness without antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics are needed only for patients who are very ill or at risk of becoming very ill.

August 2, 2024