Listeriosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by a Listeria infection. Listeria bacteria can contaminate certain foods and liquids. Anyone can be infected, but not everyone infected develops listeriosis. It is most common in older adults, persons with weak immune systems, and pregnant persons. Listeriosis can also lead to a miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in the unborn baby. Less commonly, listeriosis can develop in children younger than 5 years.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have a seizure.
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- You feel like you are going to faint.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- Your abdomen is hard and swollen, and you are constipated.
- You have severe nausea and are vomiting.
- Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your diarrhea or vomiting gets worse.
- You had food or liquid that was linked to a Listeria outbreak.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat the bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Common sources of Listeria contamination:
- Unpasteurized (raw) milk, or anything made with raw milk
- Soft cheese, such as queso fresco, brie, or feta
- Deli meat or luncheon meat
- Raw vegetables and sprouts
- Fruit, such as melons
- Cold-smoked fish, pate, or meat spread products
Manage listeriosis:
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day, and which liquids are best for you. You may also need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of sugar, salt, and minerals in water to replace body fluids.
- Eat bland foods. Examples are clear soup or mashed potatoes. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary drinks, or drinks with caffeine until you feel better. Avoid eating high-fat or fast foods.
- Eat small meals throughout the day. Your stomach may tolerate small meals every 2 to 3 hours instead of 3 large meals.
- Ask your provider before you take medicines to stop your diarrhea. This may make the infection last longer or cause other side effects.
- Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel better.
- Take precautions if you are pregnant. Listeria bacteria can be passed to your unborn baby, even if you do not develop symptoms. The bacteria can cause long-term health problems for your baby. Examples include intellectual disabilities, paralysis, and seizures. Contact your doctor or obstetrician immediately if you think you had contaminated food or liquid. Early treatment can help protect your baby.
Prevent listeriosis:
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water several times each day. Wash before you prepare or eat food, and after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Prepare food safely. Keep raw food separate from cooked foods. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before you cut or peel them. Wash cutting boards, cutting utensils, and dishes as you prepare food. Use hot water and dish soap to wash items. Rinse each item under running water. Do not put food on any unwashed dish that raw meat, seafood, or eggs were on.
- Cook food all the way through. Do not drink raw milk or have anything made with raw milk. Heat all foods until the center is hot. Be sure to cook foods such as hot dogs, deli meats, and vegetables all the way through.
- Keep your refrigerator clean and cold. Use hot water and dish washing liquid. Rinse the surfaces, and then dry them with a clean towel or paper towel. Clean up anything that spills in the refrigerator. Listeria bacteria can continue to grow even inside the refrigerator. Put a thermometer in the middle of the refrigerator. After 8 hours, check to make sure the temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Also check that the temperature in your freezer is below 0°F (-18°C).
- Learn safe canning methods if you can food at home. Boil any food that has been canned or vacuum packaged at home. Boil it at 176°F (80°C) for 30 minutes or at 212°F (100°C) for 10 minutes.
- Limit contact with others while you have symptoms. Some types of foodborne illness can spread to others. Avoid close contact with others until your symptoms are gone, or as directed. Do not swim in public pools or go to work or school until you have had no diarrhea for 1 day.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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