Listeriosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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What is listeriosis?

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.

What are 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

What are the signs and symptoms of listeriosis?

You may have any of the following, depending on where the bacteria travel in your body:

Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting, an upset stomach, or diarrhea
Abdominal cramps or tenderness
Muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, or confusion
Balance problems or seizures
In newborns, fever, vomiting, trouble breathing, or irritability

How is listeriosis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and the foods you have eaten recently. Your provider will ask when you last ate, and where you were. Your provider may want to know if anyone who ate with you is also sick. Your provider will examine your abdomen and check for signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen if you have diarrhea or are vomiting. You may also need the following:

A bowel movement culture may show Listeria bacteria.
Blood tests may show Listeria bacteria. They may also show if you are dehydrated or have signs of infection or inflammation.
Amniotic fluid may be tested for Listeria bacteria if you are pregnant.

How is listeriosis treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms become:

Antibiotics may be given if your immune system is too weak to fight the infection.
IV fluids may be given if you become severely dehydrated.

How can I 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. When you feel hungry, begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are bananas, clear soup, potatoes, and applesauce. 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.

How can I 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.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You have a seizure.
You have trouble breathing.

When should I seek immediate care?

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.

When should I call my doctor?

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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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.

Further information

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