Listeriosis Meningitis Symptoms

Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that cause an uncommon food-borne illness called listeriosis. The elderly, young children and pregnant women are more susceptible to listeriosis than the general population. Listeriosis can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) mainly in children or adults, and in newborn babies who are exposed through their mothers during pregnancy or at birth. Antibiotics and prompt medical attention can treat people who have symptoms of listeriosis.

Identification

• In children and adults, listeriosis meningitis can be diagnosed with a blood test or spinal fluid test. In pregnant women, the amniotic fluid can be tested to determine if the baby is infected.

Time Frame

• After infection, development of meningitis symptoms can occur within one or two days. According to the Mayo Clinic, the illness may spread more rapidly in newborn babies.

Neurological symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, neurological symptoms of listeriosis meningitis include stiff neck, confusion, convulsions, loss of balance and headache.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite in infected children and adults.

Dermatological Symptoms

• Skin rashes or blotchy patches of skin, along with cold hands and feet or shivering, may result from Listeria infections, although the Mayo Clinic says not all people experience these symptoms.

Babies

• Symptoms of listeriosis meningitis in babies include jaundice, lethargy, poor feeding, difficulty breathing, a lump where the front fontanel is and crying from physical pain, which may be worsened by being picked up and held.

Prevention/Solution

• To avoid Listeria infections, avoid drinking or eating products made with raw milk; raw meat, poultry and fish; and lunch meats and soft cheeses. Avoiding cross-contamination of other foods by using care in food preparation and frequently washing hands can also prevent Listeria infections.