Who’s most at risk during the Listeria outbreak?

Popular deli meats have been recalled in recent weeks due to a Listeria outbreak, resulting in illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths across the country.

Everyone is at risk of being infected with Listeria, however, some people are more at risk of experiencing severe illness. This includes headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

“Listeria symptoms are typically more severe in people who are pregnant, immunocompromised and/or over the age of 65,” explains Dr. Robert Citronberg, the executive medical director of infectious disease and prevention at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. “In these patients, there is an increased likelihood the infection will spread throughout the body and possibly even result in death.”

Pregnant women

Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to experience a Listeria infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term labor and low newborn birth weight.

“Deli meat is ordinarily safe to eat,” explains Dr. Citronberg. “However, in the event of outbreaks such as the current one, consuming contaminated meat can result in illness. Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk or cheese, should always be avoided during pregnancy.”

Immunocompromised individuals

Certain medical conditions and their treatments can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, such as Listeria.

With some types of cancer, you may be 10 times more likely to experience a Listeria infection and up to 50 times more likely if you are on dialysis.

Seniors

Over 50% of Listeria infections occur in people over the age of 65, according to the CDC.

“Not only are chronic health conditions more likely in this age group, but also their immune systems have a harder time identifying and fighting off germs like listeria,” says Dr. Citronberg.

If you aren’t high risk for Listeria, you may have less serve symptoms, such a fever, body aches and fatigue.

“If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, seek medical attention,” says Dr. Citronberg. “Or, if you think you may have eaten food that is part of a Listeria outbreak, make sure you call your doctor – even if you aren’t sick.”

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