The listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Listeria you monocytogenes that although it is safe for most healthy people, it can be fatal to unborn babies and people with the s immune system weakened. Therefore, we tell you how to prevent this pathology that is increasing.
It is a disease frequently transmitted by food contaminated with the aforementioned bacteria but that only causes serious infection in those at risk, specifically in young children, pregnant women, people with cancer or diabetes among others.
The disease itself causes stomach upset, muscle pain, nausea, and diarrhea, but the infection can reach the neuromuscular system and cause from headache to seizures, loss of balance, confusion and other serious neurological disorders, including death.
How to prevent listeriosis
The Listeria monocytogenes usually live in water, soil and animal feces, reaching humans through vegetables and fruits, raw milk or contaminated foods such as processed meats and sausages, dairy unpasteurized or the like.
The bacterium is very resistant supporting the lack of oxygen and even, to refrigeration and freezing, hence the key is to prevent contamination with it.
For this, frequent hand washing is recommended, especially before handling food or after handling raw meats for example.
The cooking of meats should be adequate and it is recommended to avoid the consumption of raw milk and other dairy products made with them, that is, do not ingest unpasteurized products.
Cold cuts and sausages can be carriers of Listeria monocytogenes, therefore their consumption is not recommended in risk groups as well as smoked and marinated fish or pates.
It is also important to wash fruits and vegetables very well and heat leftovers until they reach a high temperature and steam coming out of them.
