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ListeriosisListeriosis<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Listeriosis.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /><div class="ExternalClassE73AC9E622C241129BEC9DD0FEEC587A"><p>Find out about listeria, as well as the prevention and treatment methods.</p> </div><h2 class="sectHeading">​​About<br></h2><p>Listeriosis or listeria infection, is a disease caused by eating food contaminated with <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em>. These bacteria are found in soil, water and in the feaces of some animals. </p><p>It can contaminate meat and meat products, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and ready-to-eat products. Food items with a higher risk of contamination include unpasteurised milk and products containing unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses, fruit and vegetables, processed foods, ready-to-eat meats, and raw and smoked fish products.<br><br>Anyone can get listeriosis. Most healthy people who eat food contaminated with listeria do not get ill.<br><br><strong>People who are at high risk of severe disease are:</strong></p><ul><li>anyone with a weakened immune system, including people with underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney diseases and people taking certain medications that suppress the immune system (such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy).</li><li>babies under the age of one month and people over the age of 65</li><li>pregnant women and their unborn babies</li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note">​​​</i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> <b></b>Pregnant women are an important high risk group. Listeria infection in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, still birth, premature birth or it can make a new born baby very ill.​</p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">S​ymptoms</h2><p>Symptoms are usually mild and may include:</p><ul><li>Fever</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>body aches</li><li>nausea and/or diarrhoea (in some cases)</li></ul><p> <strong>In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system and cause meningitis, which leads to:</strong></p><ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Confusion</li><li>A stiff neck</li><li>Loss of balance</li><li>Convulsions</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Treatment</h2><p>If you show any of the above symptoms, visit your nearest clinic, hospital or doctor immediately.<br><br> Diarrhoea due to listeria does not usually require treatment. Meningitis due to listeria infection can be successfully treated with antibiotics, if treatment is started early.​</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note">​​​</i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> <b></b> </p><p>If you have diarrhoea, replace the lost fluids with an <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Oral%20Rehydration_Preparation%20Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">oral rehydration/sugar and salt solution</a>.<br><br> 1. Boil one litre of water and allow it to cool.<br> 2. Add eight level teaspoons of sugar and a half a teaspoon of salt and stir well.</p></div></div></span> <ul><li>​​<strong>Adults:</strong> drink the solution regularly and while on your way to the clinic, doctor or hospital</li><li> <strong>Childr​en over the age of two years:</strong> drink 125 ml – 250 ml of solution after every watery stool.</li><li> <strong>Children under the age of two years:</strong> drink 60 ml – 125 ml of solution after each watery stool. Feed the baby small amounts to drink every few minutes as you travel to the clinic, doctor or hospital.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Prevention</h2><p>You can prevent contracting listeria by practicing good food and personal hygiene and ensuring that you <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/City%20Health_Boil%20water.pdf" target="_blank">drink and cook with safe water</a>. Ensure you store perishable food items at 5°C or below.</p><p>See our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Diarrhoea_Prevention%20tips_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Prevention Tips</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p>For more information, contact your <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">nearest clinic or healthcare facility</a>.</p><p>If you find yourself in an emergency situation, contact <em> <a>107</a></em> from a landline, or <em> <a>021 480 7700</a></em> from a cellphone. ​</p>GP0|#eafa4880-772d-4921-ab60-5a895ea25b04;L0|#0eafa4880-772d-4921-ab60-5a895ea25b04|Listeriosis;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#d65ab879-2884-426b-a380-7b8f9433c812;GPP|#090e430c-3809-42d5-a80b-caea93b2beaf;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711Find out about listeria, as well as the prevention and treatment methods.0

 

 

 

 

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