Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning caused by bacteria. If a pregnant woman has listeriosis, she may have a miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth, or her baby may become very ill or even die.
Foods that may be contaminated with the bacteria include unpasteurized milk, foods made from unpasteurized milk, poultry, and ready-to-eat meats (such as cold cuts or deli meats). Listeriosis may start with a flu-like illness with fever, muscle aches, chills and, sometimes, nausea and diarrhea. It can progress to meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain) and blood infection. This can be a life-threatening disease. A blood test can determine if a person has listeriosis.
What you can do:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all pregnant women take these steps to protect themselves and their babies from listeriosis:
- Do not eat hot dogs or luncheon meats (including deli meats such as ham, turkey, salami, bologna). If you do eat these foods, reheat them until they are steaming hot.
- Avoid soft cheeses, such as feta, brie, Camembert, Roquefort, blue-veined, queso blanco, queso fresco or Panela, unless the label says the cheese is made with pasteurized milk. Hard cheeses, processed cheeses, cream and cottage cheeses are safe.
- Do not eat refrigerated pates or meat spreads. Canned and shelf-stable versions are safe.
- Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless it has been cooked (as in a casserole). Canned and shelf-stable versions can be eaten safely.
- Do not consume unpasteurized milk or foods made from it.
May 2006
