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Listeriosis

Overview

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Listeriosis is usually caught from contaminated food. It's also possible to catch it from someone else who has it or from contact with farm animals.

Listeriosis does not always cause symptoms. If it's mild, it can cause flu-like symptoms including a high temperature, chills and diarrhoea.

Listeriosis can cause serious problems for some people, such as a miscarriage if you're pregnant or sepsis if you have a weakened immune system.

Most people with listeriosis will get better after a few days at home. People at risk of getting more seriously ill may need antibiotics.

If you're pregnant, you can reduce your risk of getting listeriosis by avoiding certain foods, including pâté and some uncooked soft cheeses.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by listeria bacteria. It's rare, but can cause serious problems for some people.

Page last reviewed: 10/11/2023
Next review due: 10/11/2026