Listeriosis
Listeria and its illness, listeriosis, is another affiliate of the B group. Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for at least 2500 illnesses annually and 500 deaths. Pregnant women are not only at increased risk but are also 20 times more likely to become infected than women generally. In fact, 30% of all listeria infections occur during pregnancy. But it's the newborn infant that suffers the effects, not the mother. In addition, immunosuppressed individuals, especially those with AIDS, are 300 times more likely to become ill. Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance—the predominant symptoms—suggest central nervous system involvement.
Listeria monocytogenes is present in soil and water. Vegetables become contaminated from soil as well as manure used as fertilizer. Animals can carry the microbe without appearing ill, and can contaminate meats and dairy products. Unpasteurized milk can surely contain it, as well as cheese made with unpasteurized milk. Listeria are easily killed by the heat of pasteurization and cooking.
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