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Pregnancy & Listeriosis
- Cautions for pregnancy
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Pregnancy
August 28, 2008
What is listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes is a common bacterium that is found in the natural
environment.
Listeria can be found in soil, water, vegetation, and the stool (fecal
matter) of humans and animals. Plants and vegetables can become contaminated
with the bacteria from soil, water, or manure-based fertilizers.
Eating food contaminated with listeria may cause fever, headache, nausea,
and vomiting. In pregnant women infections may cause miscarriage, premature
delivery, and severe illness in a newborn.
Who can get listeriosis?
Any person who contracts the listeria bacteria can become sick.
Babies are at increased risk. Pregnant women can pass the infection onto the
fetus in utero or during passage through the infected birth canal.
Pregnant women are at higher risk than other healthy adults who come into
contact with listeria. If a pregnant women develops listeriosis during the
first 3 months of pregnancy, she may miscarry. Up to two weeks before a
miscarriage, pregnant women may experience a mild flu-like illness with
chills, headache, as well as muscular and joint pain. Listeriosis later on
in the pregnancy can result in a stillbirth or the birth of an acutely-ill
child.
Symptoms of listeriosis:
- fever
- intense headache
- nausea & vomiting
- collapse & shock
Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 30 days and up to 90 days after
consuming contaminated food.
Can listeriosis be avoided or treated?
Yes. A pregnant woman could decrease her risk of contracting Listeria
monocytogenes bacteria by following the suggested food safety measures and
avoiding the foods listed below. If a pregnant woman does contract
listeriosis, antibiotics can be given to treat the infection. Diagnosis is
confirmed by isolation of the infectious agent Listeria monocytogenes.
How can I protect myself and my unborn baby?
Food safety measures should be practiced at all times to prevent foodborne
illnesses.
- Cook all meat, fish and poultry very well, to an
internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Check temperature with meat
thermometer.
- Reheat leftovers and precooked ready-to-eat foods to
at least 74°C (165°F).
- Store perishable foods, such as raw meats and fresh
fruits and vegetables, in the refrigerator.
- Wash fruits and vegetables very well. This includes
ready-to-eat or pre-chopped salads and vegetables even if the packaging
states that they have been pre-washed.
- Purchase only as much fresh product as will be
consumed in one to two days if possible.
- Packaged refrigerated foods should be used by the
"best before", "use by" or "expires by" date.
- Refrigeration does not inhibit the growth of the
bacteria on contaminated foods.
- Wash, rinse and sanitize all utensils, cutting boards
and work surfaces before and after using them.
- Use separate utensils for preparing raw and cooked
foods.
- Wash your hands, before, during and after food
preparation or before you eat.
- Avoid spreading fluid from packages onto other foods,
cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and food preparation surfaces.
Foods to avoid
Foods contaminated with listeria look, smell, and taste normal.
Infected products may also come from other sources - e.g., submarine
sandwiches, fast food outlets, etc…… Therefore, avoid buying the products in
grocery stores, but also eating the foods from other food outlets.
The following foods have been associated with listeria. These foods should
be avoided unless they are prepared as indicated below.
If you are pregnant and have eaten any of the "avoid" products in the past
few weeks:
- be very aware of how you are feeling and if any symptoms of
listeriosis appear
- seek medical attention if you feel fever or any other symptoms.
- if you seek medical attention, tell the primary care provider that
you have possibly eaten a recalled meat product and approximately when.
- be aware of symptoms especially within the next few weeks, and up to
3 months from now.
| AVOID |
ENJOY |
| Soft and semi-soft cheeses such as feta,
brie, camembert, Mexican style cheeses such as queso fresco or
queso blanco, and blue-veined cheese. Cheese made from
unpasteurized milk. |
Other dairy products such as hard cheeses,
pasteurized milk and milk products, and cottage cheese are good
choices. Heat soft, semi soft, and cheese made from
unpasteurized milk until boiling. |
| Non-dried deli meats and hot dogs should be
avoided. The liquid in the packaging may also contain listeria
and can cause cross-contamination if spilled. |
Heat non-dried deli meats and hot dogs to a
temperature of at least 74°C (165°F).Wash, rinse and sanitize
any work surfaces that may have had spillage from liquids from
the food packaging. |
| Refrigerated pâté and meat spreads. |
Canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads. |
| Refrigerated smoked seafood and fish. |
Canned fish such as tuna or shelf-stable
smoked seafood and fish. |
| Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish
such as sushi or raw beef. |
Thoroughly cook all meat, poultry, and fish. |
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Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
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