With the onset of illness associated with cantaloupe contaminated by bacteria, are now reported in more than a dozen countries, here is a quick Backgrounder Listeria monocytogenes.
What is it?
Listeria monocytogenes is a "hardy" bacteria that is resistant to heat and cold. This bacteria is pathogenic - meaning that it is contagious to humans, causing illness listeriosis.
Where did it come from?
Listeria is found in soil, water and the intestines of some animals. Unfortunately, most animals show no symptoms, so that bacteria are transferred to raw foods and unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables and raw meats. And unlike other similar types of bacteria, Listeria can grow at low temperatures of the refrigerator.
Studies also suggest that up to 10% of humans can be carriers. The FDA says that when Listeria is found in a plant can live for many years.
But how did he get inside of cantaloupes?
Melons and other fruits with porous surfaces can be infected with Listeria, when soil and / or water seeps through your skin. Any bacteria that remains on the outside can be transferred inside the shell when the fruit is cracked with a knife or manipulated.
Who is most vulnerable?
Listeriosis primarily affects the elderly, pregnant women, infants and people whose immune system is weakened. United States, an estimated 1,600 people become seriously ill every year, approximately 16% of these diseases as a result of death. Infections of the cervix due to listeriosis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or stillbirth.
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
The first symptoms of listeriosis are similar to flu with muscle aches, nausea and high fever. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea may also occur. The time period between infection and the onset of symptoms is unknown.
How can I protect myself?
Recommendations to keep food safe from listeriosis are similar to those used to protect against other foodborne illnesses. Remember to cook meat to USDA recommended temperatures and wash all vegetables and raw fruits. Keep your refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and dinner residues within three to four days, the CDC said.
I ate a melon! What should I do?
Your risk of contracting listeriosis is extremely low, even if you ate contaminated cantaloupe. If you do not have all the symptoms that are more likely in the clear. However, if you are one of the high-risk groups and showed symptoms until two months after eating a potentially contaminated product, contact your doctor.
Has this happened before?
About 800 cases of listeriosis are diagnosed each year in the United States, with three or four outbreaks of Listeria associated with foodborne illness. An outbreak in several states of Listeria contaminated hot dogs and cold cuts took place in 1998, killing 21. Between 1998 and June 2009, 48 deaths caused by Listeria illnesses have been reported by the online database CDC foodborne outbreak.
Bacteria Backgrounder Listeria Monocytogenes
