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Doctors warn of dangerous listeria bacteria

January 12, 1999
Web posted at: 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT)
foods
Listeria is most commonly found in processed meats such as deli meats and hot dogs, as well as in soft cheeses, raw meat and unpasteurized milk  

Outbreak of flu-like bug spreading

From Food and Health Correspondent Linda Ciampa

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Six months into her second pregnancy, Lynn Nowak became dangerously ill from food contaminated with a bacteria called listeria.

"They quickly concluded this infection had infected the baby, and there was only one choice -- to deliver her immediately," Nowak said.

Over the past six months, an outbreak of listeriosis has spread through several states. Dozens have fallen ill. Some have died, and a few women have suffered miscarriages.

Nowak thought she had the flu, but she noticed her unborn baby wasn't moving. She called her doctor.

Nowak family
Six months into her second pregnancy, Nowak became dangerously ill from listeria  

That phone call saved her baby's life.

"This is a very dangerous bacteria," said Dr. Stephen Ostroff of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We know there are many bacteria that cause food-borne disease, but amongst the various bacteria -- many of which are much more familiar, such as salmonella and E.coli -- this one can be quite dangerous."

Those most at risk for listeriosis include pregnant women, infants and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever and muscle aches, much like the flu.

Listeria is most commonly found in processed meats such as deli meats and hot dogs. The bacteria can also live in soft cheeses, raw meat and unpasteurized milk.

HOTLINE:
1-800-535-4555
The USDA's meat and poultry hotline will answer your questions about foodborne illness and safety procedures.

"In those high-risk populations, one of the things that happens with listeria is it can actually get into the bloodstream and cause a bloodstream infection," Ostroff said. "The other thing that can happen, particularly in infants and newborns, is it can cause meningitis."

As with many food-borne diseases, however, the risk of contracting listeriosis can be reduced by cooking meat thoroughly.

Keeping raw meat away from cooked food and washing everything that might come in contact with raw meat also reduces the chances the bacteria will cause problems. Those in a high risk group should avoid soft cheeses, such as feta, brie, blue-veined and Mexican-style cheese, experts recommend.

Leftovers or ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs should be cooked until they're steaming hot. And while the risk is relatively low, you may want to avoid deli foods or thoroughly reheat cold cuts before eating them.


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