Listeria and Listeriosis Basics
Listeria monocytogenes, a life-threatening bacteria, has been found in a variety of raw foods as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and deli meat. Although Listeria can infect anyone, the people at greatest risk are the very young, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis, the term for the illnesses associated with Listeria food poisoning.
Listeriosis Symptoms
A person with listeriosis (Listeria food poisoning) has fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrintestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
Serious Forms of Listeriosis
The onset time to serious forms of listeriosis is unknown but may range from a few days to three weeks. Serious forms of listeriosis can include the following:
- septicemia (blood poisoning), which can spread quickly throughout the body and lead to shock and death
- meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
- encephalitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain
- infections in pregnant women that may result in miscarriage or stillbirth
In the United States, an estimated 2,500 persons become seriously ill with listeriosis each year. Of these, 500 die.
Listeriosis Diagnosis
Listeriosis can only be positively diagnosed by culturing it from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or stool (although the latter is difficult and of limited value). If you suspect you have listeriosis, you should consult your physician immediately.
If you have been diagnosed with listeriosis (Listeria food poisoning), contact a lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen for a free consultation about your legal rights and remedies. Our senior partner, Fred Pritzker is a nationally-recognized leader in the area of Listeria lawsuits. He has recently settled a major Listeria lawsuit involving victims from several states. He has also helped numerous other food poisoning victims get fair compensation. In recognition of his achievements, other lawyers have selected him for inclusion in the 2005-2006 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Read about Listeria lawyer Fred Pritzker and how he develops winning legal theories on the Pritzker | Ruohonen website, www.pritzkerlaw.com.
Listeria lawsuits are complex and present unique challenges. Contact Fred Pritzker and put his experience to work for you. You can reach him toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.
Sources:
