At first glance, Listeria symptoms may seems not specific. It related to general symptom such as fever, nausea, diarrhea and muscle aches. The symptoms may appear a few days after you have eaten the contaminated food. In some cases, it can appear as long as two months before the first signs of infection begin.
Generally listeria symptoms appear for up to one week and it will resolve by itself, but in other several cases, once the infection has spread to the brain or nervous system, it may cause severe meningitis symptoms which are stiff neck, headache, fever, confusion, reduced mental activity, seizure and balanced problems. Brain abscesses also appear in several cases.
Listeria symptoms in pregnant women and newborns
In pregnant condition, the real treat is for the fetus. The infection may cause moderate signs in the mother, but not for the baby. The consequences for the baby may cause stillbirth, miscarriages or experienced a life-threatening infection within the first few days after birth.
Listeria sign in a new born just like in adults, it may unclear and similar to other condition, but may include irritability, fever, vomiting and low of appetite.
People with higher risks
Some people have a higher risk for getting listeria, this apply to people with an altered or damaged immune system and its more severe complications.
Specifically, people at higher risk include newborns, the elderly, pregnant females, diabetics, cancer patients, patients with kidney diseases, AIDS patients, and those patients undergoing any immune-suppression therapy.
If you feel a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion or sensitivity to light for couple days, seek emergency care as soon as possible. These signs and symptoms may indicate severe Listeria symptoms.
Singapore - Register NOW!
