Recently an outbreak of listeriosis has spread throughout much of the national territory, due to the distribution of a batch of shredded meat in poor condition, leaving more than 150 affected so far.
Do you know what listeriosis is and what its symptoms are? We explain it to you in this post from AFEMEFA Insurance.
How listeriosis affects
The Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is spread through contaminated food, such as milk, meat, smoked fish and raw vegetables. It is rare, but serious and with high rates of income and mortality, according to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aecosan).
An outbreak of listeriosis can arise due to various causes:
· Because the food comes from an animal infected by the bacteria.
· Because in the packaging chain one food can be contaminated by another.
· Because at the time of handling it it could have been contaminated.
The main risk groups are those with the weakest immune systems such as:
· The elderly over 65 years of age.
· The newborns.
· Pregnant women: Although for them the infection may be mild, the fetus is at risk.
People with AIDS or other diseases that weaken the defense system.
In people with normal defenses, the infection does not usually pose any danger. They can even suffer from it and go unnoticed. However, in more vulnerable people, the risk can be deadly.
According to specialists, its incidence is usually low, with only an average of 3 cases per million inhabitants. It is not transmitted from person to person.
Symptoms of listeriosis
The most common symptoms of listeriosis are usually:
· Nausea and diarrhea.
· Fever.
· Headache or muscle pain.
In the most severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system and brain, causing meningitis. It can also spread through the bloodstream leading to septicemia and other life-threatening complications.
Symptoms may take up to 3 to 4 weeks to appear after eating contaminated food.
Treatment
The main treatment against the danger of complications are antibiotics, orally. If the patient is a baby, a pregnant woman or an elderly person, they may require hospital admission pending the ruling out of any complications.
The infection and its treatment can last 5 to 7 days in mild cases, while in severe situations the treatment lasts more than 2 weeks.
Tips to prevent contagion
Listeria copes well with cold, but not heat, so it is recommended to cook food above 70 degrees and preserve them from less than 4 degrees.
Also, to avoid contracting the infection, these four simple guidelines are advised:
· Wash fruits and vegetables well.
· Cook and refrigerate food properly.
· Do not mix vegetables and prepared foods in the refrigerator.
· Do not consume dairy products and preparations that have not been previously pasteurized.
If you have any suspicions, go to the doctor as soon as possible, as listeriosis can be serious.
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