Listeria bacteria are found every where in our environment -- soil, water, plants, sewage, and animal droppings. Usually people get infected by the bacteria through contaminated food leading to an infection known as listeriosis.
Listeria is very perilous for pregnant women, unborn babies, elderly and whatever with depressed immune system. If a pregnant woman gets listeriosis, it can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. Newborn babies who get infected by the bacteria can get chest infection, sepsis, encephalitis or meningitis. These conditions can cause death of the newborn baby.
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Listeriosis causes flu-like symptoms which comprise low grade fever, headache, diarrhea, joint and muscle aches and pains, cough, cold, nausea and vomiting. Some women can design high grade fever, which poses serious threats to the unborn child.
Pregnant women invariably catch the bacteria by eating infected food. Here are some tips to avoid listeria risk in pregnancy.
o Food should be cooked thoroughly and eaten while it is still piping hot
o Make sure that all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed under flowing water
o Tin foods are safe to consume and do not pose a threat
o Drink only pasteurized milk
o Those who have an urge to eat cheese should eat only pasteurized cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese
o Dried foods like nuts, lentils and beans are safe to consume
o Do not eat stored salads
o Do not consume any food made from raw milk
o Make sure you wash your hands and any utensils or cutlery with hot water and soap after touching and cutting uncooked foods
o When storing food, make sure meats are separately stored from vegetables and cooked food. Uncooked meat should be wrapped and stored.
