Listeriosis, Probable

• Fever and muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions (if infection spreads to the brain or spinal cord)
• In pregnant women: often mild, flu-like symptoms, but can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection in the newborn.

Listeriosis primarily spreads through the consumption of food contaminated with **Listeria monocytogenes**. This includes raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, deli meats, and raw produce. Pregnant women can also transmit the bacteria to their unborn or newborn babies.

• Practice safe food handling: wash hands, separate raw and cooked foods, cook to proper temperatures.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
• Thoroughly cook raw meat and poultry.
• Reheat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot, especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating.