Listeria Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Listeria poisoning can occur from contaminated meat, dairy or vegetables. The usual symptoms are flu-like and include nausea, diarrhea, headache and fever. When Listeria affects the nervous system, symptoms can include stiff neck, disorientation and convulsions. Follow these steps to treat Listeria poisoning.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor and explain any symptoms. Schedule an appointment if advised to do so.

• 2

  Try to remember if you have eaten any unpasteurized dairy products within the past two months. The bacteria may also have been in hot dogs, deli meats, raw meats or vegetables.

• 3

  Visit your doctor. Ask for blood or spinal fluid tests to detect Listeria poisoning.

• 4

  Follow the advice of your doctor. Since Listeria is a bacteria, she may treat with antibiotics if she suspects Listeria poisoning.

• 5

  Contact your doctor immediately upon first symptoms if you are pregnant. Pregnant women are 20 times more likely to get Listeria poisoning. It can cause miscarriage, infection of the newborn or stillbirth.