In older adults and those with compromised immunity, septicemia and meningitis are the most common conditions of a listeria infection, according to the CDC. Pregnant women may have fever, fatigue, aches and potentially fetal loss or bacteremia or meningitis in the newborn. Healthy people may experience gastroenteritis with a fever – or no symptoms at all.
That said, take these important precautions to reduce the risk of contracting listeriosis.
Avoid unpasteurized milk. Do not consume raw milk that has just come from a cow without being pasteurized first. And avoid foods that contain unpasteurized milk, like milk and cream, soft cheeses (like brie and camembert), yogurt, pudding, and ice cream and frozen yogurt known to contain milk that is not pasteurized.
Some Mexican foods, particularly cheeses, can contain unpasteurized milk. Keep an eye out for Queso Fresco, Panela, Asadero, and Queso Blanco when made from milk that is not pasteurized. Always ask if these items are made with pasteurized milk before consuming them.
Make hygiene a habit. Clean hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops after preparing food, particularly if it's uncooked, to avoid cross-contamination.
Make washing produce a priority. It’s easy to cut up vegetables and avoid washing them to save time. But this adds to your risk of contracting listeriosis. Rinse produce thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing – every time.
Know the rules when it comes to separating foods. Keep raw meat away from vegetables, fruits and prepared foods. Thoroughly cook raw food to a safe internal temperature.