With the current outbreaks of listeriosis in Canada connected to deli meats and cheese, CMAJ is releasing guidelines for health care professionals and the general public about symptoms, who is at risk, symptom management, and how to reduce the risk of listeriosis. http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.081377v1
In the United States, about 20-65% of all foodborne-related deaths are caused by listeriosis. In people with healthy immune systems, listeriosis usually resolves without treatment after a flu-like illness. However, pregnant women are 20 times more likely than healthy adults to contract listeriosis and risk passing it on to their babies, which can result in miscarriage or infant death. The elderly and people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, AIDS/HIV and other illnesses that weaken immune systems are high-risk groups for contracting listeriosis.
Contact for listeriosis guidelines: Dr. Robert Bortolussi, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, 902-470-8499, bob.bortolussi@iwk.nshealth.ca
Visit www.cmaj.ca for more articles on listeriosis next week.
Journal
Canadian Medical Association Journal