Listeriosis: Symptoms & Signs

Listeriosis is an infectious disease.

In healthy people, the infection may not produce signs and symptoms, or it may cause only a mild illness. But newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system may have more serious disease. Symptoms and signs can include

• fever,
• diarrhea,
• flu-like symptoms,
• fatigue,
• muscle aches,
• headache,
• stiff neck,
• confusion,
• loss of balance, or
• convulsions.

Cause of listeriosis

Infection with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis. The bacteria are very common and are often associated with farm animals. Humans acquire the infection via eating food that is contaminated with Listeria. These foods are often contaminated with animal feces or soil. Drinking inadequately treated or unpasteurized milk products is another source of infection.

Other listeriosis symptoms and signs

• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Flu-like Symptoms
• Headache
• Loss of Balance
• Muscle Aches
• Stiff Neck

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