{"id":11504,"date":"2024-08-02T14:04:22","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T14:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=11504"},"modified":"2024-08-02T14:04:22","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T14:04:22","slug":"listeria-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/listeria-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Listeria, What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>There have been products such as deli meats, vegetables, dips and salsas, and plant-based milk recalled due to a recent listeria outbreak.<\/span><\/p>\n

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes, is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people encounter listeria or listeriosis as a foodborne illness as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits especially melons, and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of listeria contamination. However, any food that is improperly handled or prepared can be affected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The listeria bacteria is unique compared to other types of bacteria because it survives and multiplies in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage. It also doesn\u2019t change the smell, taste, or texture when it contaminates food like other bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you first get infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks. But it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.<\/span><\/p>\n

The symptoms of a listeria infection include:<\/span><\/p>\n