4. Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can be deadly for a lot of reasons. It is commonly found in foods such as unpasteurized cheeses, lunchmeat, and produce. There are often outbreaks of the bacteria in certain cities, and in many cases, they can be traced back to specific factories or restaurants.
Listeria normally affects people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women, or young children and infants. It’s especially dangerous to pregnant women because it can cross the placenta barrier and infect unborn babies. If this infection occurs late in pregnancy, it can be fatal to the baby.
Listeria is typically treated with antibiotics, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to meningitis. While there is no way to avoid getting listeria, reducing your intake of uncooked foods can help.
If you hear of a listeria outbreak, avoid eating food that could be related, and if you fear you may have been in contact with infected foods, see a doctor for proper treatment.