In 1998 several deaths from listeriosis prompted the recall of more than 45-million pounds of hot dogs and processed luncheon meats.

Search for more listeria information: Enter your search terms Submit search form In 1998 several deaths from listeriosis prompted the recall of more than 45-million pounds of hot dogs and processed luncheon meats. A blood test is the most reliable way to find out if your symptoms are due to listeria. A woman can pass the bacteria to her baby during pregnancy. Listeria infections may create symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and poor feeding. This bacteria can pass through the wall of the intestines, and from there they can get into the blood stream. People with AIDS are at 300 times more risk of serious illness from listeria than the general population. Complications of Listeria infection include: meningitis, sepsis, miscarriage, stillbirth, pneumonia, shock, endocarditis, abscess (localized infection) formation, and eye inflammation. It can be found practically everywhere – in the air, on the ground, in water, in soil and even on people. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. The risk of listeriosis can be reduced by taking these precautions: Completely cook all meats and eggs. Carefully wash raw vegetables before eating. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or foods made from such milk. Follow the instructions on food labels. Observe food expiration dates and storage conditions. The organism can spread to the blood stream and central nervous system. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. Scientists are unsure, but they believe that this bacteria can cause upset stomach and intestinal problems just like other food-borne illnesses. Scientists are unsure, but they believe that this bacteria can cause upset stomach and intestinal problems just like other food-borne illnesses. Pregnant women account for 27% of the cases and immunocompromised persons account for almost 70%. Listeria, as it is commonly called, is a pathogen that is far more pervasive than other potentially deadly pathogens, such as E.coli. Risk is increased when a person suffers from diseases such as AIDS, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or by the use of certain medications. There are two types of listeriosis in the newborn baby: early-onset disease and late-onset disease. Early-onset disease refers to a serious illness that is present at birth and usually causes the baby to be born prematurely.