December 21, 1998

Avoiding Listeria

"Although more definitive information regarding the manufacturer or brands involved is not currently available and there are no known cases in Westchester County at this time, people at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from Listeria - pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems – should consider taking precautions by avoiding hot dogs and cold cuts until further information is available," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health.

Listeria is a bacteria which can cause severe illness in high-risk individuals. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage or fetal death. Infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems can experience life-threatening complications that includes meningitis and bloodstream infections. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea, and vomiting. In normal individuals, Listeria infection often causes only mild illness with flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of Listeria infection usually occur approximately three weeks after eating a product contaminated with the bacteria, but may occur as early as three days after exposure and as late as 70 days after exposure.

Outbreaks of disease caused by Listeria have been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, and also soft cheeses that may support the growth of Listeria during ripening. Both dairy products such as cheeses and ready to eat cold cuts can become contaminated after processing. To avoid Listeria infection, residents should consume only thoroughly cooked meats and pasteurized dairy products. Residents at increased risk for becoming seriously ill due to Listeria can minimize their exposure to the bacteria by avoiding soft, runny cheeses; unpasteurized dairy products; pates; hot dogs; and cold cuts.

For more information, contact the Health Department at 813-5000.