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Listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is an important public health problem in the United States. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected. The risk may be reduced by recommendations for safe food preparation, consumption, and storage.

Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes

Lessons from Outbreaks— Listeriosis outbreaks and associated food vehicles, United States, 1998–2008.

Photo: Emerging Infectious Disease Journal - January 2013Listeriosis outbreaks and associated food vehicles, United States, 1998–2008. This report summarizes listeriosis outbreaks reported to CDC during 1998–2008 and provides online continuing medical education (CME) allowing clinicians the opportunity to earn CME credit. Listen to the Podcast.

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Listeria (Listeriosis) Topics

A green icon of a pencil and note pad.Definition & Symptoms

Fever, muscle aches, diarrhea…

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Prevention measures…

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Who gets it and how…

A green icon of a petri dish.Sources of Infection

Contaminated food…

A green icon of a microscope.Diagnosis & Testing

See your health care provider, clinical diagnosis…

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Antibiotics…

biohazardOutbreaks

In cantaloupe 2011, consumer advice,…

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Listeria Initiative, Fact Sheets, Report Forms…

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Incidence, trends…

A green icon of a paper and pen.Educational Resources

Articles, Links, References…

 
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Listeria, a rare but deadly germ, is the 3rd leading cause of death from food poisoning.

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