Those ten who fell ill were from California and Nevada and had to be hospitalised
At least ten people have been sickened due to an outbreak of listeria linked to ready-to-eat food products, federal officials said. The producer, according to officials, is now voluntarily recalling several products.
The US Food and Drug Administration said that federal, state, and local officials are investigating the outbreak of the infection, caused by bacteria that can spread through many foods, which is linked to Fresh and Ready Foods LLC of San Fernando, California. Those ten who fell ill were from California and Nevada and had to be hospitalised.
According to the FDA, products were sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington at locations including retailers and food service points of sale, including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, and airports, and by airlines. Officials have started investigating the outbreak but as of now do not have enough evidence to identify the source of the infections.
What is listeria?
Also known as listeriosis, it is a form of food poisoning that you get from the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Doctors say that for many people, a Listeria infection causes mild symptoms like fever, headache, diarrhoea, or vomiting. But if you have a weakened immune system or are over 65 years of age, you are at higher risk for life-threatening complications.
Doctors say if you are pregnant, the infection can pass to the fetus during pregnancy or at birth, which can also lead to pregnancy loss or serious, lifelong health issues for your child.
What are the signs and symptoms of listeria infection?
According to experts, a few signs and symptoms of Listeria infection include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
-
Fatigue and tiredness
Doctors say you may not have all the symptoms, which does not mean that there is no infection. If
Listeria spreads beyond your digestive system, you may suffer from additional severe symptoms like:
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Convulsions
According to experts, the symptoms of listeria usually start within two weeks of eating contaminated food. If you are pregnant, you might have mild or no symptoms, but you can still pass the infection to the fetus.
What foods can cause listeriosis?
A few foods that you eat outside your home are more likely to be contaminated with Listeria, which include:
- Deli meats, cold cuts, and hot dogs
- Pâté and meat spreads
- Cold-smoked fish, like lox
- Soft cheese, like Brie, Camembert, and queso fresco
- Unpasteurised dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream
- Unpasteurized fruit juices like apple cider
-
Raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables (especially melon)
- Sprouts
- Raw sushi
Are there any complications of listeriosis?
Doctors say when Listeria spreads, it goes from your digestive tract to other parts of your body, leading to serious complications, like:
- Inflammation of your heart and bones
- Inflammation in your brain and spinal cord
- Miscarriage or stillbirth if you are pregnant during the time of infection
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis—a severe reaction to an infection that causes organ damage
- Septicemia
- Urinary tract infections
- Death
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