Listeriosis is a rare but serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Although the bacteria is found throughout the environment in oil and water, most cases of illness are caused by contaminated foods. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe health problems in infants including blood infection, meningitis, lesions on multiple organs and difficulty breathing.
Dairy Foods
Pregnant women should avoid foods made from unpasteurized milk. This includes soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, Greek-style feta cheese and soft Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela. These are safe to eat only if the label states that they are made from pasteurized milk. Do not drink raw milk.
Meat and Seafood
Do not eat hot dogs or deli meats unless they have been reheated until steaming hot. Smoked seafood products from the refrigerator section of the grocery store should be avoided. This includes smoked salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna or mackerel. Also avoid refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads. Shelf-stable versions of smoked fish or meat spreads are safe for pregnant women.
Other Prevention
Clean your refrigerator regularly using mild detergent and hot water. Wipe up spills immediately. Keep your refrigerator set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and verify the temperature periodically with a thermometer. Do not leave perishable foods at room temperature for longer than two hours or one hour in temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Pay attention to the expiration dates on perishable foods and discard those that are past the dates.
Symptoms and Treatment
Many women who contract listeria do not experience any symptoms, although the infection still poses a grave danger to the infant. Symptoms may appear days or weeks after exposure. Signs of listeriosis may include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea or upset stomach, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance. Tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms within two months of eating a potentially contaminated food. Listeriosis is treated by antibiotics.
