Listeria food poisoning is a very common type of food poisoning, and every year, it seems like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces several widespread Listeria outbreaks that impact many Americans. In some cases, if there is evidence that a food product contaminated with Listeria bacteria made you ill, you may be able to sue for compensation.
What Is Listeria?
“Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes,” the CDC reported. “An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Listeria infection is especially dangerous for pregnant women, people older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems. However, listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening food poisoning that can impact anyone.
In July 2024, the CDC reported a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats. By mid-month, it had impacted 12 states and two people had died. The health agency noted, “Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.”
Listeria Infection Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reported that if you develop a listeria infection, you might have symptoms including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
However, if the infection spreads to your nervous system, signs and symptoms can also include:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or changes in alertness
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
Sadly, a Listeria infection can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in newborns. Signs and symptoms of an infection in a newborn may include:
- Little interest in feeding
- Irritability
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
In some cases, a Listeria infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including:
- Blood infection
- Inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain (meningitis)
- Encephalitis
- …and more
Listeria Food Poisoning Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been exposed to listeria poisoning, seek medical help immediately, then consider getting the assistance of a food poisoning attorney with the experience to handle a Listeria lawsuit.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection might begin just days after you’ve eaten contaminated food, but it can sometimes take a month or more before the first signs and symptoms of the infection begin. If you suspect you ate a potentially contaminated product, contact a medical professional without delay.
More serious infections can be treated with antibiotics, and during pregnancy, rapid antibiotic treatment might help keep the infection from impacting the baby. Prompt medical care may be essential to treating severe Listeriosis.
You have legal rights when it comes to food safety. If you or a loved one got Listeriosis food poisoning linked to a food product, you may be able to file a claim.
Please contact the Arizona food poisoning lawyers at Phillips Law Group today at 602-222-2222 to learn more. Our team may be able to help you pursue an investigation to figure out when and where the food poisoning occurred and to identify which party or parties are responsible for your illness and complications.
Call now to find out more.
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