Listeria is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria Monocytogenes.

These bacteria are widespread in nature, being found in soil, decaying vegetation, and the bowels of many mammals. People are probably frequently exposed to Listeria, with only mild illness resulting. However, infection is more serious when it occurs in new born babies, the elderly, immune suppressed people and pregnant women.

Symptoms may include: sudden onset of fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, gradual onset of confusion, decreased alertness.

Listeria explained

• food poisoning and listeria
• listeria and food
• listeria risk in pregnancy
• listeriosis
• listeria and listeriosis
• listeriosis - eating safely in pregnancy
• SA department of health factsheet - listeria